Interview with Vice Adm. James D. McArthur Jr. Commander Naval Network Warfare Command

CHIPS, Fall, 2004

NETWARCOM's Global Mission

Naval Network Warfare Command creates warfighting and business options for the Fleet to fight and win in the information age. We deliver and operate a reliable, secure and battle-ready global network. We lead the development and integration of Information Operations capabilities into the Fleet.

To serve as the Navy's Functional Component Commander to U.S. Strategic Command.

NETWARCOM's Mission Statement

To act as the Navy's central operational authority for space, information technology requirements, network and information operations in support of Naval forces afloat and ashore; to operate a secure and interoperable Naval Network that will enable effects-based operations and innovation; to coordinate and assess the Navy operational requirements for and use of network/command and control/information technology/information operations and space; to serve as the operational forces' advocate in the development and fielding of information technology, information operations and space and to perform such other functions and tasks as may be directed by higher authority.

Vice Adm. McArthur assumed command of the Naval Network Warfare Command March 26, 2004. The admiral talked to CHIPS about several of NETWARCOM's priorities including the new space cadre.

CHIPS: Let's talk about your top priorities starting with FORCEnet. NETWARCOM Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Singer said that the Navy must determine its doctrine and operations before it determines the shape of FORCEnet. Can you elaborate on what this means?

Vice Adm. McArthur: Operationally, FORCEnet refers to the capabilities that dramatically improve the systems and processes for providing effective networked, Naval command and control in 2015-2020. Command and control is the means and methods by which a commander recognizes what needs to be done in any given situation and sees that appropriate actions are taken. The objective of FORCEnet is to provide commanders the means to make timelier decisions with better situational awareness than they currently can and to see to the effective execution of those decisions.

The underlying premise from which FORCEnet gets its power is the network effect, which causes the value of a product or service in a network to increase exponentially as the number of those using it increases. The more commanders, staffs, units, individual platforms, weapons and sensors that are linked together in a network, the more valuable will be each and the more powerful will be the overall network. We're in the process of wrapping up a FORCEnet functional concept, and planners will be able to envision key benchmarks in the developmental process. FORCEnet is not just information technology (IT)--it is the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership and Education, Personnel and Facilities coordination that leverages IT.

CHIPS: Another of your mission areas is Information Operations. Would you explain what this is and how it will impact the way we conduct warfare in the future?

Vice Adm. McArthur: The Chief of Naval Operations has established Information Operations (IO) as a primary Naval Warfare Area, equivalent to Air, Land, Maritime, Space and Special Operations. It is comprised of five core military capabilities: Computer Network Operations, Electronic Warfare, Psychological Operations, Military Deception and Operations Security. IO is a major part of Naval forces' overall strategic planning and operations to shape and influence potential adversaries' understanding and intent. IO significantly enhances deterrence and accelerates the pace of operations.

CHIPS: The CVN-21 program, the next-generation of aircraft carrier and the modernization of the entire fleet of DDG-51 Arleigh Burkeclass destroyers have been talked about as part of the FORCEnet effect. Will FORCEnet require a heavy investment in structural changes to Navy ships, aircraft and shore facilities to ensure the flexibility that FORCEnet is expected to achieve?

Vice Adm. McArthur: I think we'll see different equipment but not major structural changes. The concept behind FORCEnet is not just to bring more equipment and systems to the warfighter but to consolidate the existing multiple paths of information flow into a single integrated universal database from which user's can create their own picture of the battlespace. FORCEnet architecture will enforce a discipline on all command, control, computers and combat systems to ensure this shared battlespace environment--within Naval forces as well as in a joint and coalition environment.

CHIPS: Rear Adm. Singer talked about achieving FORCEnet goals of a level one capability in 2007, a level two capability in 2010 and a level three capability in 2014. Can you provide some examples of these levels of capabilities? (See Figure 1 on page 10.)

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

Vice Adm. McArthur: FORCEnet is built around the synergistic integration of many efforts using a spiral development process that results in a 'system of systems.' It is an architectural framework that integrates warriors, sensors, networks, commanders, platforms, effects and weapons into a networked, distributed combat system.