Joint interoperability is the key to enhancing the Army's warfighting capabilities in the years to come. The ability to provide fully interoperable information system support to an Army-led Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed halfway around the world is critical to the effectiveness of the JTF. This thesis examines the ability of an Army-led JTF to achieve interoperable information exchange today, and whether or not today's information systems will support the joint command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) concept for the future-"C4I for the Warrior" (C4IFTW). Information system interoperability is examined in the areas of command and control (C2), Air Task Order (ATO) exchange, and Secondary Imagery Dissemination (SID). Information system hardware, software, and program structures are investigated to determine which systems are best suited to be the basis for future interoperability standards. There is much work to be done by the Army to meet the C4IFTW requirements. Joint interoperability will not be effectively achieved if the Army continues on its present information system development course. In order to improve the joint interoperability of information systems, the Army must change its software development strategy to take advantage of software products developed by other services.

ADA 284502 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.)