Using IT-21 Tools to Provide Asynchronous Distributed Learning (ADL) to the Fleet

Information superiority is the foundation of Joint Vision 2010 battlefield dominance. Network Centric Warfare, robust infrastructure and information dissemination to dispersed forces are key elements in achieving information superiority. IT-21 is a fleet driven reprioritization of C4l programs to accelerate the transition to a PC-based tactical support warfighting network. Historically, cost and bandwidth have impeded distributed wargaming. Furthermore, when distributed wargames are conducted, they rarely present the scenario tactical picture to an individual using the same C4l systems used in actual warfighting. A solution is to use IT-21 tools to conduct distributed war games that are able to generate Gold formafled messages. The messages will simulate real-time track information into the Global Command and Control System (GCCS). These tracks can then be displayed on the same IT-21 systems used to fight. Such architecture will enable distributed training with units at sea. This capability would also enable collaborative planning at low costs. A proof- of-concept was conducted as an initial step in developing such a capability. The initial proof-of-concept showed the feasibility of the architecture. It demonstrated its use outside the Asynchronous Distance Learning (ADL) context to provide new collaborative capabilities to the Fleet, virtually anywhere in the world.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'Using IT-21 Tools to Provide Asynchronous Distributed Learning (ADL) to the Fleet', published 2000 under ISBN 9781423537496 and ISBN 1423537491.