NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Summary/Abstract: Network Centric Warfare (NCW) is a keystone of the constant revolution in military affairs that continues apace within the defense establishment. Expanding the idea of what is traditionally understood as NCW, focusing more heavily on “network” vs. “warfare”, this paper seeks to expand the consideration of NCW concepts. Treating NCW as encompassing not merely insight into intelligence/battlefield management, but overall combat support and service, the piece attempts to stimulate thought on NCW. A balanced examination tempers the indisputable advantages created by NCW’s enhanced information, speed, and control with cautionary warnings on vulnerabilities, threats, support tail expansion, and most critically, the long-term risk of leadership atrophy and technology overdependence. NCW facilitates information sharing/ collaboration, enhancing information quality and expanding shared situational awareness across all levels of war. It enables collaboration and self-synchronization, while enhancing sustainability and speed of command. Technological innovations and their uses come with both advantages and disadvantages. Implementation of new concepts in warfare can create new weaknesses or vulnerabilities an enemy can seek to exploit. NCW is not immune; thus, a few of its inherent and/or derivative advantages and disadvantages are offered, with a brief consideration of each.

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