This thesis examines the role of a data manager when employing the Distributed Common Ground System-Army (DCGS-A). The study examines if an effective data manager, when integrated into the intelligence activity's planning and execution cycle from the beginning, can improve the organization's ability to meet its intelligence requirements. The research methodology was qualitative and used as its sample set case studies. The study analyzed three case studies in order to identify key opportunities and challenges organization's faced when attempting to employ DCGS-A. Further, the thesis examined the data manager's role in addressing those challenges or exploiting opportunities. The research finds that units who identify a data management function early and empower that position to make decisions or recommendations on not only the technical requirements associated with a digital intelligence system, but also the content of intelligence information or organizational processes are more efficient at effectively employing DCGS-A. The study concludes that in order to effectively employ DCGS-A, a unit must designate DCGS-A specific data management functions that reach beyond technical specifications and include an understanding of mission objectives and the associated intelligence requirements. The primary recommendations are that the data manager must be a permanent member of the organization, participate at every phase of the planning and execution process, and have a clear understanding of the technical capability of DCGS-A as well as the unit's intelligence requirements and how best to satisfy them.

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.)