Centric Warfare in the Land Environment

he process of digitising and networking the modern military is as tortuous as was the case in industry a decade ago, with added complexities arising from technological needs unique to the military. As has been observed in the industry framework, digitisation and networking can produce large gains in productivity, and the same is true for military environments; but used as a force multiplier and in force protection are areas in which the greatest gains are realized. Indeed, military commanders now look to the networked force concept as crucial to fighting in the battlespace of today and the future. On the global stage, armies continue to lag behind air forces and navies in this domain, reflecting in many respects the unique demands and needs of land warfare. Networking in air and naval environments evolved from air defence and this is the area where it is also best developed in land warfare overseas. Australia is grappling with the early stages of transition into a networked environment. There has been much discussion but as yet little investment, doctrine development or conceptual thought, which is bound to change over the next decade, especially as more affordable hardware becomes available and installed in ADF platforms and facilities. Hardware and supporting software represent only a part of this picture, as the paradigm is much broader and deeper. Without a sound strategic, techno-strategic and doctrinal basis, the full potential of networking cannot be exploited. Networking and digitisation are not a panacea and in themselves cannot substitute for combat capabilities, or indeed support logistical capabilities. The idea that combat capabilities can be downsized as networking is introduced is little more than heresay. What networking does provide is the ability to use what is available with greater effectiveness accepting that the limits to combat effect will be constrained by the platforms, troops and logistical machine feeding them. In considering the limits of networking and digitisation, it is also important to observe that the information being distributed within a network may or may not be correct. As with all digitised systems, the computer scientists’ old adage of GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) applies. A sensor that misidentifies a target could well result in hundreds of force elements being simultaneously told that an opponent exists where there is none, or vice-versa. Networks are not a substitute for smart heads and commonsense. Network Centric Warfare in the Land Environment