Network Enabled Operations: A Canadian Perspective.

摘要

This report outlines the concept of Network Enabled Operations (NEOps) , both as a whole, and from a uniquely Canadian perspective. This report is the culmination of an extensive literature survey, and of two think tanks convened on 1 March 2005 and 30 March 2005 with Canadian subject matter experts (SMEs), both military and non- military, who are currently working to define and drive forward the Canadian concept of NEOps. Results showed that the Canadian conception of NEOps must be interpreted in light of the new security environment and what role the Canadian Forces (CF) is likely to play. As such, NEOps must be understood within emerging concepts in defense policy, such as the JIMP framework (joint, interagency, multinational, public) and the 3-D (defense, diplomacy, development) approach to international affairs. SMEs questioned how the stated benefits of NEOps would actually manifest themselves in operations, such as warfighting, peacekeeping, humanitarian, nation building, etc., without fully appreciating the cognitive and socialization processes that underlie them. Moreover, SMEs pointed to a number of challenges that require greater attention prior to full implementation of NEOps. These include: trust; ensuring common mental models cognitive processes, and understanding information overload; authority (including common intent) and accountability; attempts to implement NEOps universally, across the three arms of the CF; CF structure and culture (e.g., distributed decision making and information sharing); education and training; and affordability.