網狀化作戰的實體基礎,是將全世界的網路,劃分為「全球資訊網格」(GIG, Global Information Grid),並將雷達、偵察衛星、無人飛行載具等感測器,組成「感測器網路」(Sensor Network),另將飛機、船艦、飛彈、各式火砲乃至單兵等武器的指揮管制,組成「接戰網路」(Engagement Network),運用全球性的資訊優勢(Information Superiority),使美軍在全球的任何戰場,都能看的到、打的準,發揮「優勢機動」、「精準接戰」、「聚焦後勤」、「全維防護」,達成全頻的優勢,打贏任何一場的戰爭。
US Network Centric Warfare (NCW) theory was first introduced after Gulf War. Through experiences gained from Kosovo War, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) NCW theory has proofed its credibility. Accordingly, due to massive application of the information technology, evolution from the Gulf War to the OIF has stimulated the forming of NCW concept and has become the basis of the US’s Joint Vision 2020 plan.
.The physical foundation of NCW is to compartmentalize its whole network to become the Global information Grid (GIG) and integrate sensors such as RADAR, reconnaissance satellites, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), etc., into sensor network, and command and control (C2) systems such as aircrafts, ships, missiles, artilleries, soldiers into engagement network. By taking advantage of global information superiority, the US military may see and strike precisely. Ideally, in the long term, information superiority will bring US JV2020’s four pillars, Dominant Maneuver, Precision Engagement, Focused Logistics, Full-Dimensional Protection, into play and ultimately win any war.
Information network may effectively integrate forces and improve combat efficiency in joint operations, but currently it may only solve tactical problems, not strategically. In the face of future warfare we still have problems, such as inadaptability in existing weapon systems, barriers in developing future technologies, strategic culture shock, C2 challenge, etc., waiting for solutions.