Digitization of the Heavy Maneuver Brigade: Increased Situational Awareness and Decreased Decision Making

Abstract

Abstract : Doctrine and theory suggest that greater technologies in Army information systems will allow the capability to gain increased situational awareness and thereby reduce battlefield uncertainty. Information based operations allow the Army to answer the questions 'where am I; where are my buddies; and where is the enemy.' The premise is that if we know these answers we can increase situational awareness. While this knowledge may contribute to increased situational awareness, does it focus on the real issue of what situational awareness really is? The purpose of the monograph is to answer the research question: Will digitization of the heavy maneuver brigade increase situational awareness and allow the maneuver brigade commander to quickly solve problems in the conduct of decisive operations? To answer the research question, the monograph reviews the current doctrine and theory of situational awareness and decisionmaking processes that identify criteria for an evaluation of the current AWE. When compared to current theory and doctrine the AWE may not exploit technology and enhance situational awareness as expected by the Army.