Comparative Analysis of Information Systems and Command and Control Program Concepts to Support the Common Operating Picture

A Collaborative Information Environment (CIE) provides a set of tools for the commander and the warfighters, at all levels, to access a near real- time, fused, accurate picture representing the battlespace. The CIE introduces a variety of capabilities to assist decision-makers by providing a common relevant operational picture and the ability to conduct collaborative planning. Several information systems, currently under development, are being designed to provide improved situational awareness, and offer potential support to the CIE. This thesis research was performed to support U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM), J9, Joint Experimentation Division, as part of their effort to develop new warfighting concepts to support the transition of the military force to the fighting force described in Joint Vision 2020. Ten information systems, identified by JFCOM, were analyzed and compared on a set of criteria that were developed and refined as part of this research. The objective was to compare these information systems on the established criteria to provide a basis for assessing the level of support provided by these systems to the CIE and emerging warfighting concepts. Descriptions of the ten systems are provided along with data that was collated from a variety of sources to conduct the analysis.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'Comparative Analysis of Information Systems and Command and Control Program Concepts to Support the Common Operating Picture', published 2002 under ISBN 9781423507710 and ISBN 1423507711.