Integration Of The Information

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

INTRODUCTION

1. Technology has always been an important instrument of warfare. Today, with information technology positioned as the defining technology of the contemporary age it should be no surprise that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a central part of warfare. Modern warfare are becoming increasingly digitalized and today’s war fighters need to access a lot of data from applications and connect to secure networks, even when they are maneuvering or at the front of the fight. Battlefields are transforming into strong networks of informed, geographically separated military personnel. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other sensors which are used for reconnaissance, gathering information about terrain and enemy movement are being deployed to remotely transmit information at real time among other application in the use of ICT.

2. ICT stands for Information Communications Technology [1] . There isn't any universally accepted definition of ICT because the applications and technology involved in this constantly keeps changing almost on a daily basis. The changes happen so fast which makes it difficult to keep up with them. ICT deals with digital data and the ways of storing, retrieval, transmission and receipt of it. The I stand for Information and I.T. is a combination of various techniques for data capture, data storing, data processing, data transmission, information retrieval, and information display. The C in ICT stands for Communication of data over some distance by electronic means. The term ICT is generally used to show that both information systems and communication systems are becoming inseparable and are currently being integrated in one system in many applications, especially in the military communication and information systems.

3. In this paper, the objective to discuss in general about the use of ICTs in the contemporary military operation environment and to discuss how better the integration of the ICTs in military operations can be effectively implemented in the case of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The convergence aspect of the military communication and the military information systems is not in the scope of the paper that brief explanations of the concept will be provided for the reader to understand the existing demarcation between the two. This will lead our discussion on the proposal for an approach for the integration of the Information and Communication Systems the RDF operations. Finally, the analysis of the challenges and opportunities will help the reader this time to understand the problems linked to the proposed approach to the integration process. The development of new ICT capabilities will create both opportunities and challenges for the RDF as it is for other armies worldwide. On one hand, improvements to Defence ICT will enable enhanced RDF decision-making and operational effectiveness. On the other hand, the use of emerging and relatively inexpensive ICT capabilities will also be available to adversaries hence the need for RDF must continue to develop, deploy and exploit advanced ICT to operate wisely and successfully in this contemporary and future complex battle space.

4. In the RDF, the integration of the ICTs in the operation environment requires a reference model to guide all stakeholders in the development of a common Communication and Information Support platform for information operations in the context of joint operations. The development of the common platform should not necessary mean the centralization of the initiative but one common understanding of the development procedures and the required output. The involvement of the user (commander) in the process of establishment a standardized Communication and Information System for RDF is to be taken into consideration for better results for the future. This will be discussed later in the paper by presenting the imperatives for a successful implementation of the model in showing the importance of involving all stakeholders.

INTEGRATION OF ICT IN MILITARY OPERATIONS

5. The integration of ICTs in the military operations is instrumental for the transformation of any armed force in the contemporary military environment. Information is crucial to all modern military operations. Information is a force multiplier and information and communication technology will play dominant role in military operations. And it is obvious for everyone who observes what is going on in technology that defence forces around the world are racing to keep up with the speed of ICT advances. Today pilot safely fly unmanned drones from any place, looking for information about the enemy movement in a combat zone. The ICT being used in modern drones has come so far that basic computer knowledge is no longer essential for remotely flying an UAV. In many cases, military personnel are able to control the drones and direct their deadly payload from thousands of miles away by using just a mouse, joystick and ergonomic pad. Its therefore understandable that the military institutions which will dominated the ICT skills will also become the military powers of tomorrow.

6. ICT is said to be the single most important factor for the success of military operations in air, ground or maritime and amphibious operations. Access to real-time, authentic and secure information is necessary for enabling the military commander to take the most crucial decisions. In the interconnected world, commanders at all levels must be integrated through ICT so that they can have a common picture of the operation being carried out. Infantry men carry new secured digital radios that allow them to instantly give situation updates and receive guidance. Military analysts filter through terabytes of information on satellite linked servers about high pay-off targets. These pilots, infantrymen, analysts and military leaders all use available means to collect process or disseminate information to gain advantage; that is information superiority, over the enemy. And this constitutes the integration of ICTs in the military operations in nutshell and it is bringing in the concept of Defence ICT capability. This shows that defence forces increasingly depend on information and communications technology to achieve their mission.

7. Defence ICT capability needs to provide inclusive communications and systems to support decision-makers at the tactical, operational and strategic level. Defence ICT capability is required to support headquarters staff, operational assets, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, targeting and navigation needs, logistics, medical and personnel systems. Control of the future battle space will be dependent upon the capability of any army, and of the RDF in particular, to develop, deploy and exploit advanced information and communications technologies. This will require a holistic approach to ICT capability, integrating both war fighting and business functions so that technology enables the information access and functionality needed to accomplish the mission.

8. To cope with this trend in the advance of use of ICTs in military operations, RDF will need to update its operational environment in an informational environment. To achieve this it is imperative for the RDF higher authorities to introduce an efficient standard for ICT support to all of its functions. The required standard of the ICT support will be the object of this paper development and it is not bad to anticipate and suggest that developing a single "information environment for RDF" will be the best way to meet the demands of the strategic user as well as deployed and mobile users in case the RDF. This is where the paper is talking about a common Communication and Information Support platform for information operations in the context of joint service interoperability which will be explained later. The standard will have to respond to the requirement of integration and support, sharing of information and securing of information.

8. This new approach will emphasis on the integration of Communication and Information System functions to have a common understanding one unique and integrated platform for the applications, network and security for the force. In RDF, It is strategically imperative to take a new look at the communication and information systems function and to reduce the number of overlapping networks and applications which are costly in terms of acquisition cost and maintenance. This will have also the advantage of having an integrated Command Control (C2) communication and information support. All these will only possible if the RDF ICT plan is based on agreed implementation principles which will constitute the cornerstone of a model to guide all stakeholders.

9. The stakeholder role, like other strategic imperatives outlined below, is essential to have all programs and projects have same objectives and adopt the adopted principles for consistency and have a unique ICT environment for all. An example can be provided by an illustration of the ICT strategic imperatives which was set by the Australian government concerning their Defense ICT strategy [2] .To achieve their ICT objectives, the ICT Australian defense strategy was based on four strategic imperatives:

Optimise the value of Defence’s ICT investment through cost transparency, improved stakeholder communication, prioritization of spend and efficiency in ICT activities. Successful delivery of those elements will enable Defence to clearly identify ICT accountabilities and responsibilities, improve cost transparency and stakeholder communication, establish governance mechanisms for resource allocation and improve the efficiency of ICT services and support.

Drive closer alignment with stakeholders through a stakeholder-centric organization model, improving engagement and driving towards a collaborative approach to developing ICT capabilities. With this imperative, Defence will migrate to a stakeholder-aligned organisation model designed to improve understanding of stakeholder business needs, and improve engagement and collaboration, especially in regard to problem-solving.

Provide agreed, priority solutions through the establishment of a Defence-wide ICT Operating Model and Enterprise Architecture promoting standardisation and consolidation. This strategic imperative will encourage the development and use of common and standardized services, reduce duplication of technology investments and deliver solutions which meet prioritized business requirements.

Strengthen ICT capabilities through improvements to culture, leadership, processes, skills, sourcing and resource planning. This strategic imperative will strengthen the organisation’s culture, skills, processes and practices to support development of ICT capability.

10. It is very important to note that these four strategic imperatives can be reformulated and adjusted to meet the RDF ICTstrategic requirements. This will lead the integrated design, cost effective delivery and sustained operation of the Defence Information Environment. This environment will integrate Intelligence and Security Services, Military capability and corporate services within all existing RDF service. The issue of interoperability of systems will be considered within the context of Joint Services. And interoperability here means inter workability between systems from different services, department or army agencies. The ability to operate with other agencies both domestically and internationally is a key Defence capability enabler. Therefore, any initiative toward the RDF a unique information environment shall encompass and be guided by the updated strategic ICT imperatives described above.

11. The first strategic imperative for the integration of ICT in the RDF operations is to optimize value of defence ICT investment. This means to allow the following:

Improve ICT cost transparency & stakeholder communication

Prioritise for effective ICT spend

Optimise project & operations efficiency

Harmonise with Whole-of government initiative by sticking on government priorities

The strategic ICT imperative will need to be enforced by a policy once the ICT strategies adopted. Harmonization is a key factor in the context of the Whole-of-government initiative and enter in the context of the existing national policy on ICT.

12. The second strategic imperative for the integration of ICT in the RDF operations is the Closer Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment. This will enable the following:

Improve alignment between stakeholder needs and ICT capabilities

Aligning ICT organization with stakeholders become easier to work with

Design solutions collaboratively with stakeholders

Implement Defence-wide ICT governance

13. The third strategic imperative for the integration of ICT in the RDF operations is to provide agreed, priority solutions which include the following:

Stabilise & secure ICT

Consolidate, standardise & optimise ICT

Addressing new ICT requirements

Leverage emerging technologies to address new business needs

Create & adopt an enterprise architecture for ICT in Defence.

14. The fourth strategic imperative for the integration of ICT in the RDF operations is strengthening ICT Capability by:

Energise the culture of ICT use within the organisation

Strengthen ICT leadership

Improve processes & tools

Professionalise the workforce.

Leverage vendors & sourcing

Effective resource planning & management.

All the mentioned strategic ICT imperatives (04) and their related sub-element need in fact to enforced by a general ICT policy to be devised the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the RDF headquarter.

REFERENCE MODEL FOR THE RDF ICT INFRASTRUCTURE

15. The model will reflect the proposed architecture of the ICT infrastructure within the RDF. This will consequently enable the Force to use the proposed guidance for the military adaptation and use of the ICT in RDF operations. This guidance shall focus on solutions that, to the extent possible adhere to the reference model, subject to financial and technical limitations at the time of realization. The reference model shall also take into consideration the mission assigned to the Rwanda Defence Forces to include other partners in the accomplishment of the mission.

16. The RDF’ mission as provided in the constitution is: to defend the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of the Republic; to collaborate with other security organs in safe-guarding public order and enforcement of law; to participate in humanitarian activities in case of disasters; to contribute to the development of the country; to participate in international peace-keeping missions, humanitarian assistance and training. Therefore, any initiative to develop a model for the ICT infrastructure will need to align with the mission assigned to the RDF.

17. The need to develop a reference model is sound and it is not to be a work of an individual rather an enduring work of a dedicated team within the defence forces. The content of this paper is not to provide the solutions to the final proposed reference model for the RDF ICT infrastructure but a simplified schematic of what the reference model should look like. The reference model should at least have two levels of infrastructure which are:

The core services level and

The functional decision level

The schematic presented below is the proposed architecture for the RDF ICT infrastructure.

Operational

Operational support

Business

C2 and Management services

Intelligence & surveillance services

Structural services

Finance services

Ad Hoc services

Protection services

Maneuver services

Fire control services

Logistic services

Personnel services

Construction services

Functional decision

Communications infrastructure

GIS services

Info security

Service management

Registry service

Information exchange

Collaboration service

Core services

Secure platforms

Info management

Communications infrastructure

Info management

GIS services

Secure platforms

Fig1: Reference model for the RDF ICT infrastructure.

18. This proposed reference model will have to guide all stakeholders in the process of linking the core services to the functional decision. The next step will be to introduce a model of the communication and information support unit to deal with the situation decision process. An example will be illustrated by a system of information gathering and processing which will automatically inform decision makers on the situation on the ground and permit them to take a the right decision on time. A centralized networked Air Defense system composed of radars and AD multiple guns is a component of the C2 and management services of the proposed reference model. When developing the model, all components from different services, operational units and administrative units should be taken into consideration. The Communication and Information Support unit as centralized components interface to link and coordinates all processes should be at the top functional and core services described in the reference model. Therefore it is very imperative that all participants’ components be aware of the exiting of the Communication and Information Support unit during their own development process.

19. Te core services level in the proposed reference model for the RDF ICT infrastructure, if accepted, need to be designed according to required security norms and standards in order to effectively support the functional decisional level. The communication infrastructure, in case of Rwanda, currently remains the domain of the central government initiative with all concerns in terms of information security policy and strategy. There is a need for RDF to start thinking about the ownership of the communication infrastructure as the convergence of systems requires total ownership of information systems and communication systems.

20. Technologically wise, on modern battlefields, the advantages of information superiority are achieved through the use of technological advances, including; global positioning systems, tactical satellite radios, unmanned aerial drones, many other electronic devices for smart weapons and secure computer networks. The reliance on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, information tasks, information management (to get information to the right person at right time, and knowledge management (to promote situational awareness understanding) in order to gain advantage over the adversaries is key to military success in nowadays. The functional decision components of the RDF reference model for ICT integration presented can be obviously expanded and new functions added depending on the commander (user) requirements.

ICT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN MILITARY OPERATIONS

20. Defence organizations are evolving to meet the challenges imposed by new types of adversaries and threats and to meet changing government expectations. To transform how they collaborate with other organizations, conduct missions, and achieve their objectives, defense agencies have established several key goals to help achieve superior operational agility and efficiency:

Realize effect-based , network centric operations

Rapidly implement new capabilities

Form dynamic and ad-hoc interactions with military and civil partners globally

Increase scalability and adaptability while reducing complexity

Elevate return on investment and decrease cost of ownership

21. Additionally, at the information systems level, defense organizations are working to realize next-generation military capabilities by tightly integrating application and communication services and making capabilities must directly support the operational environment. To be useful and effective, these capabilities must directly support directly the operational needs of soldiers, commanders, and support personnel. However challenges such as declining budgets, lack of interoperability and data exchange, a diversion of key resources for humanitarian support operations, understaffed clandestine services, and information espionage concerns continually hamper these efforts

22. Network architecture provide approaches for developing information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems that securely link business and operational requirements to technical capabilities. By representing complex technologies in terms relevant to business opportunities, network architectures can reduce infrastructure complexity and aid the understanding of how ICT can better support operational needs.

23. Most defense ICT systems are extremely complex and have been developed in disparate functional silos, creating unnecessary redundancy, increasing cost, and opening gaps between technology solutions and the operational requirements they were designed to facilitate. The example of the various trends in the development of UAVs. Unmanned vehicles are primarily used for reconnaissance, gathering information about terrain and enemy movements. Whatever the type of unmanned vehicle — whether land, sea, or airborne – its mission will typically comprise three key elements: data capture, data processing, and data transmission. Today, the efficiency of these devices is debatable and technologies vary from country to country.

24. The future of the battlefield will be closely tied in with the advance of electronics. Computers, robots and sensors will become more common on the future battlefield. Presently the modern military institutions employ unmanned air craft as scouts, very intelligent cruise missiles and as resupply craft. That is today, right now, and the use of these craft is becoming even more common. Infantrymen are being equipped with digital radios and computers. Night vision devices have been around for some time. Tanks have highly sophisticated targeting computers, radar and imaging devices. All these devices are electronic in nature. This new development in the use of ICT devices in the military will obviously provide operational capabilities to armies and they are all now competing to acquire these new capabilities.

25. As these devices become more and more common they will be integrated into helmets, weapons, and battle suits. Vehicles will become more highly automated and detection of the enemy will become easier. As weapons become more lethal it will become more important to have an advantage over the enemy and avoid being found by him. Electronics are thought to be the answer. With battlefield computers, an enemy's location can be pinpointed; the data can be transmitted to higher headquarters. Artillery or air strikes can be directed more accurately, quickly and easily by commanding agencies. Night vision devices allow a human to see when he usually could not, radar can detect ground units as well as airborne units. Laser sights allow more accurate weapons fire and range determination.

26. It is unlikely this trend will reverse itself. However, electronics are not invulnerable. There are presently two devices, which are similar, that can destroy the electronic advantage. These devices are not yet in widespread use but they are as dangerous to electronics as a nuclear bomb. Countermeasures can protect electronics from these devices to some degree but no countermeasure is perfect. The scope of this paper is not to discuss electronic counter measure capabilities and challenges associated with the use of ICT in the military but it is important to note that ICTs are also vulnerable to attack and can have damaging impact on military operations.

27. The proper integration and efficient use of available ICT in the military operations can assist to achieve information superiority today. The use of information operations (IO) as an integration process is paramount in today information environment to achieve information operation capabilities. Information operations that include secure exchange and distribution of information through networks provides forces with more comprehensive and updated bases for decision and enable rapid and synchronized action, with the appropriate means to respond to all types of situations.

28. The information Operations is the integrated employment of the core capabilities of electronic warfare, computer network operations, psychological operations, military deception and operations security, in concert with specified supporting and related capabilities, to influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp adversarial human and automated decision making while protecting our own. What are the capabilities for a country like Rwanda to effectively implement and use Information operations in the military? The answer is not easy as the country is still under the process of modernizing its services and most of the services are still at an earlier stage of development. This can constitute a disadvantage but also an advantage at the same time. Disadvantage because it is necessary first to be able to identify the requirement for different services in term of their core business or operational requirements. It is can constitute an advantage in the sense that while establishing the service and its functions, it become easy to integrate the ICT requirements in the same time.

29. Since 2002, the RDF adopted a Joint Structure with a Chief of Defence Staff at the control of the Defence Force who is the Joint Commander. The new structure and Force design offer flexibility required to respond to a variety of contingencies in the context of the RDF operations. Therefore, a reference model for the information infrastructure is therefore required for the new structure and force design to respond the need of various joint services. This paper suggested an approach to the information infrastructure and guidance for military adaptation and use of ICT in RDF which will have foundation on user (commander) requirements. An approach to effective use of the integrated Communication and Information System in RDF operations was suggested after analyzing the existing and after the evaluation of the gaps to be filled. The outline of the challenges and opportunities associated with the new suggested model of information infrastructure was here provided to explain and give guidance and reference for further solutions approach. Therefore this work cannot pretend to be exhaustive but can serve as material for the decision makers and researchers in the domain of ICT requirements for the Rwanda Defence Force.

CONCLUSION

30. Modern information and communication technologies have created a "global village," in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society. The ICT affects all domains of activities including the military operations particularly. The future of the battleground will be closely linked with the advance of electronics in the manner that it will affect all the existing concepts of military operations. UAV, computers, robots, sensors and other new electronic devices will become more common on the future battlefield. And the nations that will dominate the use of ICTs in their military operations will obviously become the military powers of tomorrow. This why we the RDF needs to come in and start to think on the proper strategy for the integration of ICTs in its operations.

31. As we used to have Air superiority and maritime power, the advent of information superiority will dramatically changed the future of the combat zone. The reference model for the RDF ICT infrastructure, proposed in paragraphs 15-20, comes in the context of proposing an approach to an ICT shared service model for the core service and the functional services functional decisional services to anticipate and propose a model which can guide researchers in this domain. This is in a bid to cope with the contemporary environment of military operations which is being dominated by the use of ICTs and which has revealed very complex and competitive.

32. Moving to a Shared-Services Model, RDF will make the necessary ICT investments required to deliver the centralisation and standardization of ICT service delivery and a continuation of the move to shared services. This will achieve operating efficiencies in support of future capability requirements. The shared services model is expected to encompass reform to the delivery of services such as: Communication services, Hosting and data services, Network services, Client devices, ICT user support, application services, and database services.

33. The proposed reference model for the RDF ICT infrastructure will encompass, as described in the schematic provided previously in paragraph twelve, the framework for service interoperability plus the link between the core services and the functional decision layer .The ICT strategy which has been proposed in this paper and the reference model will therefore improve efficiency and effectiveness within RDF’s ICT environment. In doing so, it will help Defence achieve its mission of defending Rwanda and its interests. The ICT strategy which will can developed and expanded in details will enhance ICT capabilities and drive the following five outcomes to address RDF’s business needs: greater ICT Scalability, Flexibility and Adaptability; improved Information Speed and Accuracy; continued Technological Capability Edge; enhanced Interoperability and improved Business Support.

31. Countries like Rwanda need also to adapt its Defence for the proper integration and efficient use of available ICT in the military operations which can assist to achieve an acceptable level information operation in the general. Efforts should be made on the development of a Communication and Information system which matches the need of its daily military operations. This is where the second strategic imperative , described in paragraph twelve , for the integration of ICT in the RDF operations needs to be closer to the Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment. To meet the challenges imposed by new types of adversaries and threats, the country will have to work on the implementation of a Communication and Information System model which is adequate to RDF and different agencies. This needs to be based on a system that will achieve the requirements to:

Realize effect-based , network centric operations

Rapidly implement new capabilities

Form dynamic and ad-hoc interactions with military and civil partners globally

Increase scalability and adaptability while reducing complexity

Elevate return on investment and decrease cost of ownership

34. The proposed approach to the integration of the ICT in the RDF operations will generally be more a continuation development process rather than vendor oriented product to be acquired. The commander needs to be the center of the choices guided by the expertise of RDF engineers. The fourth strategic imperative, depicted in paragraph 14, for the integration of ICT in the RDF operations talked about the strengthening ICT Capability to provide ability own in-house solutions in progressive manner.