Designing a FORCEnet information topology

Abstract

Network Centric Warfare (NCW) is a theory of war that attempts to maximize the benefit of linking together, or networking, operating forces. The Navy and Marine Corps have decided to attempt to instantiate this warfighting concept through FORCEnet. The FORCEnet concept is ambitious, but most current efforts have looked to ensure the ability to connect and share data without addressing the larger picture of how to move information within a netted force in order to maximize the benefit of information sharing. This thesis presents an information topology developed to effectively share information across a variety of force compositions. In order to fully attain the benefits of a networked force, a complementary command and control system must also be designed. This thesis also outlines a command and control system that can be employed in a network-centric force.