Some Non-Technical Limitations on NEC/NCO Concepts

This article discusses the limitations of Network Enabled Capability from the point of view of the dynamical properties of conflicts and the physical constraints of networks, rather than technological limitations. The discussion focuses principally on the observed power-law nature of conflict (that is to say, treating warfare as a hierarchy of conflicts within conflicts). It is suggested that the resulting broad range of scales for which military action can occur may not lend itself well to a ubiquitous computer interface and network. Furthermore, any overarching computer network may face significant challenges in connecting to the furthest reaches of the C2 chain, due to the physical limitations in maintaining connectivity. The conclusions of this article suggest that a good strategy for addressing these limitations may be to place emphasis on connections necessary for specialist, high-payoff applications which benefit the most from close collaboration, with only intermittent connections for other applications.