As the military move to faster decision making driven by data, new challenges must be addressed. This paper outlines some of the issues and possible ways forward.
The answer (according to IBM) is a “Data Fabric”. If only we could understand what that means. It is described as “an architectural framework that aims to provide a unified and consistent view of data across different systems, platforms, and data sources within an organisation. It focuses on creating a centralised data layer that connects various data silos and enables seamless data access and integration across the enterprise at scale.” Right. So, what’s one of them then? Answers on the back of a sealed envelope…etc….
Victory in future wars will increasingly depend on which side most swiftly gathers strategic insights from data and is able to deploy them, from headquarters and the tactical edge and throughout the battlespace in real-time combat conditions. Without an urgent transformation in the military’s ability to synthesize and distribute information through a secure data architecture, the US and its allies could lose their ability to deter or win potential conflicts as rival nations develop their own capabilities.
Drawing from our interviews with key government and military officials, Oxford Economics and IBM identified crucial steps in leveraging data to become a more united, interoperable force, as well as creating an advantage over unpredictable rivals. We found there is a need to develop common standards across the services that align the US military with its allies in NATO and Five Eyes. Technological solutions to resolve issues should not be service-specific, but rather applied across forces if the US and its allies want to be successful in deterring future conflicts.