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Abstract. Digitisation is expected to deliver operational benefits. However, it may
prove a three-edged sword. Commanders will be better informed, but
so will their subordinates and their enemy. The commander's greater
comprehension of events is an opportunity. The task of leading
an information-rich formation is a challenge. The possibility of information
transparency is a threat. Some sophisticated and perhaps brave thinking
will be required in order to seize the opportunity, meet
the challenge and counter the threat. Technology will never substitute
for good generalship and human qualities and moral issues will,
if anything, be increasingly decisive in this environment. Commanders will
need to be able to focus on critical issues in
a wealth of data. Roles and responsibilities should change to
emphasise leadership over management. Creativity will be rewarded and predictability
heavily punished. Experience suggests that armies will be unable to
make radical philosophical changes during peacetime. The next major war
will teach some hard lessons. Being ready to learn fast
is more important than having the answers in advance.
Related topics:
battlefield digitisation, command and control, art of war, command systems
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