Financial analysis of hastily-formed networks

Abstract

One of the common lessons learned from the 11 September Terrorist Attacks in 2001, Southeast Asia Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was there were major command and control (C2) and information challenges during the crisis response efforts. The Department of Defense (DoD) is currently transitioning to face these global threats of terrorism and natural disasters, as well as support the goals of the new National Strategy, by developing new plans and procedures to improve the coordination, communications and operations between DoD and other entities when responding simultaneously to such complex humanitarian disasters (CHD). In searching for a mobile and adoptable communication solution for military operations, the DoD should consider a C2 system that utilizes advanced commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. Hastilyformed networks (HFN) could provide a global broadband network node with internet, voice, video and data capability in a rapidly deployable manner, which offer significant advantages to military and other crisis response activities. The focus of this thesis concentrates on the financial aspects of HFNs in support of humanitarian assistance and/or disaster relief (HA/DR) efforts by U.S. armed forces. This research and analysis of HFNs could present prospective benefits to DoD, which include cost-savings, enhanced emergency response capabilities and improved interagency/international relations. Additionally, this study will provide a recommended model methodology and iterations for future military-use of HFNs in support of the DoD's vision of "transformation."