2011

M. Haseeb Minhas

Digitally signed by M. Haseeb Minhas DN: cn=M. Haseeb Minhas, o=www.haseebminh as.com, ou, email=me@haseebm inhas.com, c=CA Date: 2011.12.15 15:26:14 -05'00'

Information Systems
Within the Military
This short report provides an introduction to information systems within the military specifically geographic information systems (GIS) and automated command and control information system (ACCIS).

M. Haseeb Minhas 6/12/2011

ABSTRACT
This short report provides an introduction to information systems within the military specifically geographic information systems (GIS) and automated command and control information system (ACCIS). The specific requirements for development of these systems are classified primarily as data, security, resources and response time. In addition the use of data and its nature is categorized under four data types that are defined as: dynamic military unit data, static reference data, geographic data and weather data. Finally its concluded the focus of military information systems is to support decision making process while business information systems effort is towards automating repetitive administrative tasks.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 3 DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................................................. 4 APPLICATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Geographical Information Systems (GIS):............................................................................................ 4 NATURE OF DATA & INFORMATION PRODUCED .................................................................................... 5 Dynamic Military Unit Data:................................................................................................................ 5 Static Reference Data: .......................................................................................................................... 5 Geographic Data: ................................................................................................................................. 6 Weather Data: ....................................................................................................................................... 6 REQUIRMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................ 7 Data Requirements: .............................................................................................................................. 7 Security Requirements: ......................................................................................................................... 7 Resources: ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Response Time: ..................................................................................................................................... 7 COMPARISON TO BUSINESS SYSTEMS .................................................................................................... 8 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................ 8 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................. 9

INTRODUCTION
Information Systems is an integral part of a Military Operation which is required to face changing environment, new operational parameters, strategic agility, extended logistics and ability to operate in a broad spectrum of tasks. Through the use of Information Systems, the military is now operating with greater efficiency, effectiveness and less risk and cost. Prior to the digital age, conflicts were mainly dependent on massive structures that were based on industrial mechanized formations which provided logistics and deployment. These conflicts were long term and could take years to finish, resulting in enormous cost and loss of property. During World War II and the Vietnam War, smart weapons and precision was not a factor, instead a technique known as carpet bombing was used. Thousands of large bombs would be dropped over an area in order to destroy enemy combatants. This method was extremely ineffective causing a large civilian casualty and exposing the attackers to anti-aircraft artillery. Through the use of geographic information systems, projectiles can be launched at a precise target from a great distance destroying the enemy and sparing innocent bystanders. This type of warfare is less expensive and allows an efficient use of resources.

DISCUSSION
APPLICATIONS Military communication can be divided into three fundamental ways of providing and using information: Command, intelligence and doctrine. Command: Defines the task and mission. (Alberts, 1996) Intelligence: Provides the information about the environment in which the task is carried out. (Alberts, 1996) Doctrine: Provides the standards of operation procedures to shape the mindset of the individuals and teams involved. (Alberts, 1996) The overall goal of this is to coordinate activities to achieve synchronized operations and mutually support the command concept and approach that matches the nature of conflict and force capability. (Alberts, 1996). The application of information systems is supported by the critical functions of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, precision, navigation and positioning. The following two main applications showcase information systems within the military functions.

An ACCIS is an integrated set of systems that assists in executing command, control, consultation and management tasks. (Schmidt, 2010). These tasks can be looked at from an information processing point of view related to the command and control cycle (situation monitoring and assessment, planning courses of action, decision making, and decision execution. This can also be looked at from the viewpoint of the mission (consultation, management, command and control) and supporting military functions such as intelligence, operations and logistics. ACCIS communicated to the real world environment via doctrinal communication, possibly connecting to other ACCIS elements.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Geographic information system is a combination of remote sensing, global position systems and the Internet to provide an effective partnership, an interconnected framework for collecting, and organizing location based information among military operations involved in complex contingencies. Various data that includes terrain features, natural events and human activities association with a specific location can be displayed as an overlay on digital maps. Thus a GIS

information sharing network can combine data sets across functional areas to provide integrated view of the operational environment and hence a stronger basis for collaboration. (Col Michael, 2001) In general this system is applied within intelligence, battle field management, terrain analysis, remote sensing, military installation, management and monitoring enemy activity. (Col Michael, 2001) Geographical Information Systems are primarily used for locating the positions of various units that includes ships, aircrafts, soldiers, or projectiles. GIS provide the framework for guidance systems in tracking multiple objects at multiple levels. They are also utilized in intelligent decision support system for intelligent target assignment. Another use of GIS is for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes in obtaining terrain images of the enemy territory.

NATURE OF DATA & INFORMATION PRODUCED To simplify the level of applications used there are four types of data involved: Dynamic Military Unit Data: This type of data changes depending on the scenario of the operation. At the start of the operation, records are kept for the type of units, strength, combat effectiveness, equipment and location and other data which are relevant. (Schmidt, 2010). This record is referred to as the initial working copy. The data is then modified as a separate record based on the scenario and objective of the operation. Once the operation is complete, the final form is recorded. The entire procedure is part of a transformation carried out under various rules and standards. In order to minimize data errors and maintain integrity, a verification process is utilized that is also dependent on human input.

Static Reference Data: It constitutes to all types of data that remains the same during an operation. For instance, data related to the attributes of each weapon, types of transportation, number of personnel etc. This is predefined and set before any operation begins. (Schmidt, 2010)

Geographic Data: This type of data records in depth detail pertaining to geopolitics, terrain analysis and borders. The military gathers geo-data in the same format as national geographic institutions which include DCW, VMAP, DTED, and ADRG (Sunil Choenni, 2011). There are three main procedures involved to obtain this data. 1) Using National Survey Agencies (NATO Geo Policy) in generating the digital graphics. 2) Using the final version of the dynamic military unit data to utilize in geographic applications. 3) Using the data obtained from geographic information systems and interpolating that into the geographic application. Once the data is obtained, a bidirectional format conversion process is utilized to process the geographic data into the ACCIS. (Schmidt, 2010)

Weather Data: Usually obtained from both military and civilian weather stations and utilized within the ACCIS to process aircraft or artillery flight plans. The data is also used for assessment, interpretation and relationship with simulation models. (Schmidt, 2010)

With the data types defined above, the main concern is the large volume of data recorded could be too large to identify critical information required for the operation within a reasonable timeframe. The asynchronous way in which information is received could easily confuse the decision making process leading to differences in perception of a situation. Therefore, the data is further classified into needs, wants, irrelevant and potentially distracting. This form of refining data is still not sufficient to avoid information overload. The military uses a combination of network tools, doctrine, policies and training to avoid this pitfall and assimilates information retrieval in its specific domain. A doctrine is used to assure that standards are followed to maintain a consistency within the analysis. Network tools provide alerts when information threshold within distribution systems are reached.

REQUIRMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT The major aspect in conforming to new information systems is to adapt the structure and workflow to the new methodology. Application development within the military needs to address the following: Data Requirements: Within the Military realm, data is constantly dynamic and changing therefore applications need to be flexible enough to be able to import large volumes of data with ease. For instance, GIS data specifically related to city maps and its attributes changes often therefore planning in software development is required to meet the evolving requirements. (Col Michael, 2001)

Security Requirements: Military and Intelligence agencies share information within a closed network, therefore an effective multi-layered access system is required to classify data and define roles or groups that are granted certain permission attributes. Encryption and cryptography techniques are required to protect data in case the system is compromised. (Col Michael, 2001)

Resources: Systems for military use are designed keeping simplicity as a constraint. Due to the dynamic and non-cooperative environment that may require these systems to run in low-tech territories, developers should assume low dependency on electrical power, telecommunication and transportation. This could further dictate a requirement for mobility in which all devices will be moving constantly including routers and servers that need to be part of an untethered network. (Col Michael, 2001)

Response Time: Rapid establishment of information sharing networks is required. Data compressions, signal processing and decentralized communication are all vital to improve response time. In constitution with these factors, the system should still maintain security and avoid disruptions. For instance, rapid transmission regarding an anticipated threat and actions to take could save lives. (Col Michael, 2001)

COMPARISON TO BUSINESS SYSTEMS Military information systems are fundamentally different in comparison to business systems. This difference is a result of the view and goal each institution has about information systems. The overall goal for using information technology for the military is to support the human decision making process in a short time and under a dynamic environment for command and control tasks. Military processes are able to support large volumes of data, uncertainty of data and vague information. In comparison business systems view is less ambitious, their goal is to aid employees in performing multiple tasks that are mostly administrative in an effective way. Routine tasks are automated and databases are created to retrieve specific data. (Sunil Choenni, 2011)

CONCLUSION
Information Systems has provided the military with a wide range of tools to perform more effectively. It has become a central component and changed the way in which wars are fought and joint operations are conducted. Gone are the days when a large force and massive structures were required to obtain strategic advantage. With the use of automated command and control information systems and the help of geographical information systems, logistic data and military operations can be conducted remotely. The optimal coherent approach depends on the connection between information systems, the task for which they are relevant, the needs, doctrine, training and education. With continued research and development, advances in remotely piloted aircrafts and artificial intelligence could further reduce the personnel required; reduce the damage on property and save lives. However strict rules, requirements and doctrines must be followed to avoid unintended consequences.

REFERENCES
Alberts, D. D. (1996). The Unintended Consequences of Information Age Technologies. NDU Press Book. Col Michael, J. D. (2001). Information Technology as a Catalyst for Civil-Military Unity of Effort: Kosovo Test Case. Keys, M. G. (1998, August 5). Information Operations: Airforce Doctrine. United States Airforce. Kyprios, K. (2009). The Adaption of Information Technology (IT) and the Revolution in Military Affairs, into the New Conceptual Approach in the way of Fighting. Lancaster. Schmidt, W. H. (2010). Automated Command and Control Information Systems (ACCIS) and CAX. Austria. Sunil Choenni, B. B. (2011). Potentials of Advanced Database Technology for Military Information Systems. Amsterdam. Tolk, D. A. (2010). Functional Categories of Support to Operations in Military Information Systems. Ottobrunn.