The ability of U.S. forces to gather, process, and disseminate battlespace information in a networked fashion has given them a tremendous advantage in major combat operations. This battlespace information has allowed U.S. forces to move faster and apply military power more aggressively and effectively. Today's networks enable shared situational awareness, unity of action, and enhanced shared understanding. A survey of officers revealed that soldiers and leaders are investing time and resources in informal networks that connect and fill the gaps in formal networks. These informal networks include unit-level databases, social networks, blogs, online discussion groups, and chat rooms. An intriguing opportunity exists to integrate these networks in powerful new ways-such as enabling units to self-synchronize, or to provide electronic overwatch for each other. The authors recommend that the Army continue and expand efforts to extend the network (including SIPRNet) to lower echelons, invest more time in developing and exploiting informal networks, and expand the network to include host nation, coalition, and other U.S. government partners.

Introduction -- A strategic context for understanding the need for network-enabled operations -- Tactical information: what commanders and leaders need to know -- Network-enabled operations -- Military utility of network-enable operations: qualitative assessment of recent case studies -- Military utility of network-enabled operations: quantitative assessment of training and operational experiences -- Military utility of network-enabled operations: officer impressions of network functionality -- Operations to enhance network performance -- Military utility of network-enabled operations: conclusions and recommendations -- Appendix A: officer impressions of network performance -- Appendix B: officer impressions of the performance of network programs of record -- Appendix C: statistical analysis of officer impressions of network functionality -- Appendix D: statistical analysis of unit performance data from the National Training Center.