This study investigates the current division level Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) information architecture and its ability to support Army divisions in the twenty-first century. Current developmental efforts are examined to determine their ability to support the warfighting Commander's Critical Information Requirements. The study then explores trends in information technology under development within commercial industry. A conceptual information architecture, Athena, is then presented to meet war fighting requirements while maximizing limited tactical communication resources. Information technologies are being developed to support a wide variety of battlefield functions. Current developmental efforts are diffuse and costly. A single information system architecture is needed if the Army is to employ information technologies as a combat multiplier. The Athena Information Architecture employs distributed, object- oriented database technology to achieve true interoperability of information. Athena is a single information system for all Battlefield Functional Areas. It brings together war fighting requirements and emerging commercial technologies within the constraints of a highly mobile and lethal Army force. The Athena architecture is focused on a single goal; enabling the warfighting commander to achieve information dominance to defeat America's enemy and minimize the loss of United States soldiers.

ADA 312260 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)