Army Information Network Essay

(2) Fully integrated Army information network capabilities.
(a) The future Army information network contributes to this characteristic through robust network capacity, dynamic network management, and access, availability, and protection of data and information. The Army information network is configured and reconfigured easily, secured, operated, maintained, and sustained to enable freedom of action and the exercise of disciplined initiative on land and through cyberspace. The Army information network facilitates the visualization, and agile, responsive, and informed management of its voice and data transport resources to scale and align with the commander’s changing intent and priorities, modifications to task organization and scheme of maneuver,
and evolving mission requirements rapidly. Along with a robust network capacity, dynamic network management contributes to the establishment and maintenance of reliable and ultra-low latency communications to support fires, medical, and other selected mission requirements where accuracy and timeliness are essential to mission success. As part of DSCA or stability operations, the Army extends its network resources to other interorganizational partners when needed. Semiautonomous network management optimizes applications, service levels, and system performance to meet the commander’s intent under all network conditions, across computing environments, and throughout all phases of an operation.
(b) The Army information network provides sufficient capacity and connectivity between the distributed and dispersed command nodes so that the CP functions as a whole.
The Army information network facilitates human interaction and building cohesive teams. It enables reach across echelons and formations to internal and external information and expertise, allowing commanders, staffs, subordinates, and mission partners to collaborate and co-create shared understanding. The Army information network provides distributed computing resources that host analytic tools and automated decision aids that can provide highly-correlated information to analysts and decision makers.
(c) The Army information network enables CP and command node agility with network components that are fully integrated into CP aircraft, vehicles, watercraft, and shelter infrastructure. It also provides the mobile and wearable devices that enable Soldiers and leaders immediate access to network capabilities wherever they are located—mounted or dismounted. The Army information network provides local distributed computing resources that maximize the ability of each individual command node. The Army information network architecture enables command node dispersion and signature management to enhance
survivability.
(d) The Army information network allows Soldiers and Army Civilians easy access to non-sensitive, distributed learning content anywhere and on any device. The Army information network bridges classification and allows visibility across multiple security levels without segregating hardware systems. However, the Army information network automatically blocks sensitive data, information, or network access to unauthorized individuals, processes, or devices, and detects and protects against modifications or destruction of data and information. This includes the capability to “self-destruct,” thereby preventing data and system capture by potentially successful attackers; to back up data; and to allow remote locations to operate from back-ups to maintain uninterrupted mission command. Cybersecurity for the Army information network keeps pace with evolving threats. Future information systems are designed from the ground up to account for contested space, cyberspace, and electromagnetic environments.
(e) Following threat attacks, debilitating environmental effects, or other operational hazards, the Army information network facilitates restoration of data, information, and information systems lost, damaged, or destroyed. In an information environment characterized by competing demands for limited network resources and combinations of space, cyberspace, and EW attacks, clear visibility and assessment of the status and functionality of the Army information network, coupled with agile network management, facilitate the availability, protection, and integrity of critical data and information to support mission requirements.
f. Incorporates effective power production with intelligent power management and distribution. Effective power production with intelligent power management and distribution for each command node reduces fuel consumption through its ability to match generated power to load demand changes throughout the day, and decreases the physical footprint as individual system generators can be removed from the formation. Reduced fuel consumption, in turn, reduces the logistics footprint and enhances force protection through the reduction of resupply convoys. Future power technology increases mobility by improving the speed of setup and teardown of deployed command nodes.
g.
Survivable. CPs remain lucrative, high-payoff targets for threats particularly those possessing advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, long-range fires, and offensive cyberspace and EW capabilities. Ensuring the continuity and survivability of critical CP functions and capabilities is obtained by balancing multiple materiel and nonmaterial considerations to include leaner design; hardening and protection from enemy, weather, and terrain effects (component information systems as well as CP infrastructure); advanced cyberspace and electronic warfare capabilities to defend and protect the Army information network and network- and spectrum-dependent weapons and equipment; camouflage and concealment; decreasing or obscuring the visual, electromagnetic, acoustic, and thermal signature; early detection and identification of threats; intentional capability duplication and diversification; a robust network transport; the ability to displace rapidly; and deception, dispersion, node positioning, and other innovative employment tactics and
techniques.
h. Simple. A physically, operationally, and perceptually-cognitively integrated CP system fielded and managed as a capability by a single integrating program manager decreases the complexity of the CP, decreases cognitive load, improves trainability, and relieves the unit from many of the burdens of integration. Future applications are intuitive, easy to use, backwards- compatible between versions or improvements, and standardized with a common information displays and user interfaces across all systems and warfighting functions. Command node vehicles and infrastructure ease command node set-up and tear-down. This minimizes training requirements, decreases training time, sustains perishable skills, and facilitates overall readiness. Simplicity and ease of use increases mobility and protection and speeds mastery of the mission command principles, functions, tasks, processes, and procedures necessary to succeed in future joint combined arms operations.