Conference examines role of ICT in military transformation
Advancements in communications technology and information security systems were the focus of the 3rd NATO Network Enabled Capability Conference, March 28-30, in Portsmouth, Virginia, US, with nearly 400 attendees.
Hosted by Allied Command Transformation, the conference reviewed the technological progress made in the field, and allowed for an exchange of experiences and views on the use of information technology in military transformation.
“Such an audience confirms both a growing interest in NATO Network Enabled Capability (NNEC) and a need for such a big community to gather from time to time to exchange ideas and experiences,” said Netherlands Air Force Maj. Gen. Rudd van Dam, assistant chief of staff for Allied Command Transformation Command’s Control, Computers and Intelligence section.
Real time information
As part of its ongoing military transformation, NATO is looking at moving to “network-centric” capabilities, which – through the use of state-of-the-art information and communication technology – aim to give commanders and troops on the ground a real time image of any potential battlefield.A variety of workshops covered a broad range of related issues, including the information security dilemma, where advancements in communications technology could also assist organised enemy networks.
Information security proved to be “hottest” issue discussed at the conference, but some participants also voiced concern that implementation of new technologies is moving too slowly.
Maj. Gen. van Dam concluded that, “significant progress has been made in all communities, within NATO, Partner nations and industry. I certainly recognise that we still have to progress on the identification of the requirements and the development of concepts. However, I am now convinced that we have a very good foundation to support the implementation of NNEC in several areas.”