JADC2: The Complexity of Military Capabilities

As military capabilities continue to grow in complexity, so will the challenge to ensure their resilience. The Department of Defense is seeking to connect sensors from all four services under one network, in what is called JADC2 (Joint All-Domain Command and Control). The initiative is certainly not without criticism, but development, field testing, and deployment efforts continue to move forward as part of the solutions deemed necessary for dealing with increased great power competition in the early 21st century. While the US military is going full steam ahead with JADC2, there are lingering questions about the resilience, security, and potential vulnerabilities of such a vastly complex system of systems.
Is such a complex web of networks the solution to ensuring American military success in the 21st century? Systems and computer science experts state that complexity is the enemy of security, so with this in mind, what are the lessons for militaries looking to gain an advantage from machine learning and artificial intelligence, via massively networked and automated warfare? Even now, Russia, China, and other “insurgents” are able to circumvent the complexity of Western military systems through “grey zone” operations - yet our response is to create ever more complex systems. Are we building the right solutions to the problems we face?
For our panel discussion, we are pleased to welcome:
Jennifer McArdle, Product Strategist, Improbable and Adjunct Senior Fellow, CNAS
Mark Seip, Director for Strategic Development at MITRE’s Center for Technology and National Security, and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Georgetown University
Michael Madsen, Deputy Director and Director of Strategic Engagement at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
Moderated by Heather J. Richman, Founder, Defense Investor Network
This one-hour live virtual event and Q&A took place on Wednesday, March 3 at 1100 PST/ 1400 EST and was open to the public. This event was hosted on our website at www.securityandtechnology.org/events..

[@NasaVixaisak]

My research efforts have paid off. An true gem of a video. I love this webinar and the insight it has given me to pursue a career within the JADC2 Initiative. Thank you!