Innovation for integrated command environments

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Innovation for integrated command environments

Perry, A.A. / McKneely, J.A.

Command environments have rarely been able to easily accommodate rapid changes in technology and mission, yet command personnel, by their selection criteria, experience and very nature, tend to be extremely adaptive and flexible, and able to learn new missions and address new challenges fairly easily. Instead, the hardware and software components of the systems do not provide the needed flexibility and scalability for command personnel. How do we solve this problem? In order to even dream of keeping pace with a rapidly changing world, we must begin to think differently about the command environment and its systems. What is the correct definition of the integrated command environment (ICE) system? What types of tasks must be performed in this environment, and how might they change in the next five to 25 years? How should the command environment be developed, maintained and evolved to provide needed flexibility and scalability? The issues and concepts to be considered as new ICEs are designed following a human-centered process. A futuristic model, the Dream Integrated Command Environment (DICE), is described, which demonstrates specific ICE innovations. The major paradigm shift required to be able to think differently about this problem is to center the DICE around the command personnel from its inception. Readers may not agree with every concept or idea presented, but will hopefully go away with a clear understanding that, in order to radically improve future systems, designers must focus on the end users.