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Expediting the Transfer of Technology: Defense Support to Civilian Authorities
"Borne out of a failed attempt to supply local firefighters with GPS technology from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) this paper documents the need for a review of the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities (DSCA) policy. NPS and by association DoD attempted to coordinate with state fire command to support firefighters in Big Sur, California with equipment to help track fire movement, as well as ensuring more firefighter safety. The DSCA was enacted to impose barriers on the use of the American military as an executor of the laws on American soil, and has provided effective guidelines for the use of US Armed Forces in homeland security and emergency response situations. Although the DSCA plays an important role in controlling the use of military personnel and equipment from infringing on the primacy of local law enforcement and violating Posse Comitatus, which prohibits federal forces from interfering with state and local law enforcement, there needs to be a policy that allows exceptions to be made for passive and non-proprietary requests for military aid. For instance, in the case study of the Big Sur Fires and the NPS's attempt to aid the firefighters there, the technology that was offered was non-proprietary, required no military personnel, required little to no cost to the military, and would not affect the defense of the base(take away from NPS resources necessary to the base)."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2008-09-19
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California Homeland Security Consortium
"The overarching objective of the California Homeland Security Consortium (CHSC) is to develop a model national resource hub in the Monterey Bay area to: 1) promote undergraduate and graduate programs focused on national security. 2) conduct research on critical issues in homeland security. 3) conduct field trials of technology and operational processes, policies and doctrines among participating agencies at all levels of government and industry. 4) facilitate planning among communities and organizations to prevent or mitigate the effects of HLS incidents. 5) create a 'hot' backup capability to remediate the effects of major incidents, such as natural disasters, that result in loss of normal services for the community. 6) work with local community colleges to develop a robust Transportation Security Administration (TSA) training program leading to an Associate of Arts (AA) degree."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
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Biological Terrorism Preparedness: Evaluating the Performance of the Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS) Syndromic Surveillance Algorithms
"After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, questions developed over how quickly the country could respond if a bioterrorism attack was to occur. 'Syndromic surveillance' systems are a relatively new concept that is being implemented and used by public health practitioners to attempt to detect a bioterrorism attack earlier than would be possible using conventional biosurveillance methods. The idea behind using syndromic surveillance is to detect a bioterrorist attack by monitoring potential leading indicators of an outbreak such as absenteeism from work or school, over-the-counter drug sales, or emergency room counts. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS) is one syndromic surveillance system that is currently in operation around the United States. This thesis compares the performance of three syndromic surveillance detection algorithms, entitled C1, C2, and C3, that are implemented in EARS, versus the CUSUM [cumulative sum] applied to model-based prediction errors. The CUSUM performed significantly better than the EARS' methods across all of the scenarios evaluated. These scenarios consisted of various combinations of large and small background disease incidence rates, seasonal cycles from large to small (as well as no cycle), daily effects, and various levels of random daily variation. This results in the recommendation to replace the C1, C2, and C3 methods in existing syndromic surveillance systems with an appropriately implemented CUSUM method."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dunfee, David A.; Hegler, Benjamin L.
2007-06
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Small Town Insurgency: The Struggle for Information Dominance to Reduce Gang Violence
"Since 2006, the gang related homicide rate in Salinas, California has quadrupled. As of 2009 the homicide rate associated with gang activity far exceeds those of much larger cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, and even Los Angeles, California. This report examines this negative trend through the lens of counterinsurgency, since gangs exhibit many similarities in structure and tactics to insurgent groups. Accordingly, this thesis capitalizes on the diverse academic theories available to the study of counterinsurgencies. While the common narrative for an effective counterinsurgency campaign focuses on the importance of information dominance, there has been little research into component factors that might either promote, or inhibit, the flow of information that is also critical in combating the American street gang phenomenon. In reality, gangs exist because of an information advantage bestowed upon them by the population. Thus, we postulate that two factors, information volume and information processing, mutually contribute to information dominance with respect to a counter-gang strategy. Through comparative analysis, our research suggests that improving relationships between the population and the government encourages more communication about gang activities. Additionally, improving communication structures within the government enhances information processing. Combined, these two factors reduce the gang's information advantage."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Arnold, Laurence H.; O'Gwin, Christopher W.; Vickers, Jeremy S.
2010-12
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Command Structure of the Ballistic Missile Defense System
"The United States is embarking on a course of designing and fielding a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) to protect the US and her citizenry against ballistic missile attacks. The BMDS will need a Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) organization/system to support military and national decision makers in times of crisis. The C2BMC must also be able to react quickly once a missile event has occurred. This thesis will cover the doctrinal issues with merging Theater Missile Defense (TMD) and the National Missile Warning System into one system, how the Unified Command Plan affects missile defense efforts, the lessons learned from Desert Storm, and presents alternative chains of command that might allow the BMDS to engage threat missiles in a timely and efficient manner. Preliminary findings indicate that a 'flattened' chain of command for missile defense forces seems to be a positive starting point for the initial deployment of the BMDS."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Weller, David B.
2004-03
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Role of Strategic Planning in the Evolution of Command and Control Systems
"This thesis examines the role that strategic planning plays in the evolution of Command and Control (C2) systems by defining both C2 and strategic planning and showing the, interfaces between them. It goes on to show how the View of the threat in the years to come influence the implementation of C2 systems. Furthermore, the author challenges the traditional strategic thought on threat assessment which views the threat primarily as a massive Warsaw Pact attack on Central Europe or an all-out Soviet nuclear attack. The future threat, projected ten to twenty years out is examined and expanded to include more likely scenarios the U.S. military may face including: drug trafficking, low intensity conflict in the Persian Gulf, and ballistic missile proliferation. From these emerging threats, the author recommends what C2 system technology the Department of Defense DOD) should pursue."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mallick, Richard Lee
1990-03
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Strategy and Logistics for the New World Order
"An interdisciplinary analysis of the post-Cold War world to determine the optimal strategy to attain the national interests of the United States, and the requisite logistic structure to support that strategy. The optimal solution is found to be a strategy based on multinational defense centered on a permanent force of United Nations garrison port complexes. This multilateral force would be augmented by as small a national defense force as necessary to ensure national security. The thesis endeavors to reconnect the cultural and philosophical past of the United States with its immediate future. National interests are identified through examination of American Pragmatism and the philosophies of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. To determine the current status of common defense, based upon the Foreign Military Sales system, an analysis of current data is accomplished. Future threats to the United States are examined with special emphasis on nuclear terrorism. The ability of Islamic nations in North Africa and the Middle East to produce significant quantities of uranium is demonstrated. The grave political as well as ongoing environmental consequences of this recent capability are discussed in detail."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gildersleeve, Cory W.
1990-12
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Design and Implementation of ZTRAX: A Training, Readiness and Flight Hour Relational Database Management Tracking System
"In an era of diminishing budgets, information technology must help direct operational commanders in the maximum utilization of their available resources. The institution of a relational database management system to identify and exploit an organization's strengths will aid in keeping forces combat ready at all times. The design and implementation of ZTRAX; a training, readiness and flight hour relational database management system. ZTRAX is expected to provide historical information of home and deployed, operational and training flight evolutions which will aid in the process of training and readiness planning. The ZTRAX application was implemented in November, 1991 and is a menu driven program which permits the addition, editing and querying of data contained on two source documents; the Monthly Training and Readiness Report and the Monthly Flight Hour Report. Ztrax is run concurrently from within the Paradox program to permit a vast array of ad hoc queries, reports and the importation of graphical display mechanisms. [...] Chapter II will detail the design of the RDBMS. Chapter III discusses implementation of the RDBMS [relational database
software application] and its interaction with other commercial software applications for graphical representation purposes. The users manual is contained in Appendix E. Chapter IV discusses the issue of computer security and its relevance to all microcomputer operations. Chapter V provides recommendations and conclusions for the use of a relational database management system to provide accurate and timely readiness and training information. Appendix A-E will provide the data input documents, object diagrams, object definitions, domain definitions and the users manual, respectfully."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hodgkins, Richard E.
1992-03
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Security Considerations in Distributed Systems
"This thesis investigates computer security considerations in distributed systems. In particular, it concentrates on assisting managers to gain an appreciation for what distributed systems are, and what are the inherent security issues in these systems. A survey of the literature on computer security was conducted to identify those issues unique to distributed systems. Although many controls are discussed, management must design and support a comprehensive security plan tailored to their unique organization."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rhead, Donovan R.
1991-09
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Signature Verification for Access Control
"Access control to sensitive information is a vital concern for Department of Defense agencies. Current methods employed to control access are vulnerable to unauthorized users and frequently inadequate. The use of biometric access control devices, such as signature verification systems, may represent a solution to the access control problem. This thesis looked at two dynamic signature verification systems and compared their performance in general as well as under the different operating conditions of lined and unlined paper and morning and afternoon use. The two signature verification systems were the CIC [Communication Intelligence Corporation] system and the Sign/On system. Additionally, the thesis compared the CIC system under both sets of operating conditions using an inking stylus pen and a non-inking stylus pen. The experimental results indicated there was no significant difference between the CIC system using an inking stylus pen and the Sign/On system and that both systems had Type I error rates of less than 3% and Type II error rates of less than 1%. The results also indicated that the operating conditions test did not favor either system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Geshan, Susan Carol
1991-09
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Combatting Terrorism through Study of the Genetic Psychology of Terrorist Leader--the Early Development of the Terrorist Mind
"The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the necessity for law enforcement, intelligence, and other organizations responsible for collecting information on 'proponents of terror,' to include in target dossiers, data regarding genetic inheritance and childhood environmental influences. The author argues that without this type of information, agencies are hindered in really knowing the 'proponent of terror,' and thus limited in the possibilities for neutralizing the subject. The study analyzes genetic inheritance and childhood environment and presents case studies on Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Ilich Ramirez Sanchez ('Carlos'). The study concludes that genetic and childhood environmental data should be included in target dossiers of terrorists. Collection categories in genetic inheritance and environment are recommended and include, for example, material on terrorists' biological grandparents, parents, and as appropriate, on their brothers and sisters, and children."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Martinez, Peter, Jr.
1989-12
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Normative Command and Control Influences: A Study of Cohesion in Terrorist Organizations and Their Effect on Society
"Current Afghanistan operations demonstrate the ability for terrorist organizations to flourish without clear structure. Such organizations likely adopt missionary and/or adhocracy structures, which are underdeveloped theoretically and empirically with organizational theorizing, particularly military command and control concepts. However, terrorist organizations are groups and thus subject to norm processes. From an open systems view of organizations, processes develop according to the operating conditions of the group. As conditions change, internally and externally, groups must adopt norming strategies within the constraints of the group's environment. If a group is unable to maintain a norming structure facilitating group cohesion and clear understanding of the group's mission, then that group will likely fail to meet its objectives or cease to exist. Thus the ability of a terrorist organization to achieve its objectives is partially dependent upon its ability to influence, directly or indirectly, the society in which it operates. Terrorist organizations must entice people to willingly join a group that assumingly does not value less radical societal norms. This work studies norming processes within terrorist organizations. It begins with a review of the norming literature and thus applies reviewed concepts to terrorist organizations. It provides a foundation from which future researchers can test hypotheses related to terrorist groups and their environments from a normative perspective of command and control."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ellenburg, Christine A.
2007-06
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Strategic Planning for Counterforce Options
"The first objective of this report is to explore the disparity between United States declaratory policy and actual force capabilities. This report will secondarily pose questions and purpose decision making criteria which are essential to ensure successful future nuclear strategic force employment and planning. This report is primarily concerned with the gap in U.S. declaratory and operational (or action) policy as it applies to current counterforce targeting problems. It is important to distinguish between declaratory policy and actual operational policies to appreciate the complexities of the debate and to resolve questions concerning future force planning."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Palumbo, Nancy R.
1987-11-04
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Industry and Public Sector Cooperation for Information Sharing: Honolulu, HI
"The Maritime Information Sharing Taskforce (MIST) is a two-way process for understanding and communicating the information sharing needs of local, private sector communities. This MIST Highlight is about information sharing in the port of Honolulu, Hawaii. Similar to our other sites, Honolulu called for improved logistics, better decision making and reduced financial impacts. In addition, because over 98% of the state's commerce goes through Honolulu ports, participants were highly aware of the economic consequences of any port interruptions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2010
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Industry and Public Sector Cooperation for Information Sharing: Delaware Bay
The Maritime Information Sharing Taskforce (MIST) is a two-way process for understanding and communicating the information sharing needs of local, private sector communities. This MIST Highlight is about information sharing in the port of Delaware Bay. "Delaware Bay participants stressed operational and financial incentives for information sharing. These incentives include quicker resumption of business after an event, the protection of assets, and fewer costs incurred. In addition, this port values strategic benefits such as improved customer satisfaction and positive public opinion resulting from being seen as environmental stewards."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2011-02
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Cruser News [May 2011]
This newsletter from the Naval Postgraduate School's [NPS] Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research contains the following articles: "MBARI's [Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute] Autonomous Systems Program for Lagrangian Ocean Studies"; "The Robot with the Machine Gun was Particularly Popular...," "The Legality & Ethics of Armed Autonomous Robots"; and "NPS Students to research Cargo UAS [unmanned aircraft system]Viability."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2011-05
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Cruser News [June 2011]
This newsletter from the Naval Postgraduate School's Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research contains the following articles: "Maritime Surveillance in the Intracoastal Waterway using Networked Underwater Acoustic Sensors integrated with a Regional Command Center"; "What's in a Name"; "Ten Years Later: Warfare Ethics Since 9/11"; "Student Research: Systems Engineering Analysis Cohort 17 Team B (SEA-17B) led"; and "The Future of Unmanned Naval Technologies: A Second Look".
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2011-06
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Cruser News [April 2011]
This newsletter from the Naval Postgraduate School's Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research [CRUSER] contains the following articles: "CRUSER STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] Initiatives"; "A Launch Recovery Design for DDG-based, high-capability UAVs [unmanned aircraft system]"; "Ethical and Legal Aspects of Unmanned Systems"; "CRUSER's Robots in the Roses"; and "Future Unmanned Naval Systems Wargame Competition."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2011-04
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Effective Teaming of Airborne and Ground Assets for Surveillance and Interdiction
"As Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) become more prevalent on the battlefield, ground forces will have to increasingly rely on them for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as target marking, and overwatch operations. The Situational Awareness for Surveillance and Interdiction Operations (SASIO) simulation analysis tool uses Design of Experiments (DOX) to study of aspects of UAV surveillance characteristics in conjunction with ground-based interdiction teams. The goal is to reduce the time required to intercept and capture targets of interest. Through screening analysis, significant factors can be determined to build a model that will provide a ground commander with insights to aid in the tactical employment of his assets. We will examine different teaming strategies and coordination measures between searching and interdicting assets in order to study the effectiveness of the interdictor possessing an organic, tracker UAV. The objective of this research is to quantify the benefit or penalty of an additional UAV asset that is organic to a quick reaction force, in the context of the overall surveillance and interdiction operation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Muratore, Mark J.
2010-06
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Cruser News [March 2011]
This newsletter from the Naval Postgraduate School's [NPS] Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research [CRUSER] contains the following articles: "CRUSER Brings Together Robotics and Unmanned Systems at NPS"; "Military Robotics Revolution Expert visits NPS"; and "New Warfare: Autonomy in Lethal UAVs [unmanned aircraft system]".
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
2011-03
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Development and Initial Evaluation of the Human Readiness Level Framework
"Proper measurement and management is necessary to effectively translate capability needs and technology opportunities into stable, affordable, and well-managed acquisition programs. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) has proven to be the tool and process of choice for assessing the maturity of developing technologies within the Department of Defense (DoD). Yet, the TRL has proven incapable of consistently capturing the human-related aspects of technology development and their association with technology readiness. This thesis describes the initial development and evaluation of the Human Readiness Level (HRL). The purpose of the HRL framework is to complement TRLs in program risk management structures within the Integrated Defense Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (IDAT&L) Life Cycle Management System. Further development and evaluation of the HRL framework is required beyond what was carried out as part of this thesis. However, the initial framework takes that first step towards providing acquisition professionals a comprehensive guide that ensures human-centric priorities are addressed throughout all phases and milestones of Defense Acquisition."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Phillips, Eric L.
2010-06
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Terrorist Networks, Money Laundering Schemes, and Nation Stability
"The purpose of this thesis is to provide the audience with a point of view perspective regarding the evolution of circumstances that lead to the formation of terrorist networks, organized crime, illicit activities, (etc.), and to present how these criminals utilize money laundering schemes to further their respective positions in society from a socioeconomic perspective. Subsequently, this paper discusses how terrorists and/or organized crime members utilize weak nation-state infrastructures to capitalize on money-laundering schemes; thereby, using the debilitating effects of financial crimes to keep nation-state institutions in a perpetual condition of instability. The ultimate aim of the criminal/illicit behavior and activities is to create, refine and execute more efficient ways to further their respective cause placing themselves in positions that yield even greater power over the systems they continually exploit. Ultimately, these criminals continue to exploit the weaknesses of the nation-state infrastructures to gain and maintain a decisive advantage over society at large if left unchallenged."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mott, Bryan
2010-06
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What Are the Security Threats to Further Development of Nuclear Power Plants in the U.S.?
"What are the security threats to further development of nuclear power plants in the U.S.? The U.S. stands alone today in terms of the vast nuclear armory at its disposal. It is clear we know something about how to build nuclear weapons, and yet, we are not world leaders in the field of nuclear power. Nuclear energy has the potential to be an alternative fuel source that would be sustainable and economical. Nuclear power is controversial in the U.S. because it raises issues of domestic energy policy, funding, regulation, safety, and especially security. In turn it can affect U.S. investments, foreign policy, economy, and jobs. As America struggles with its dependence on foreign oil, we must seek alternative fuel sources. The President has made energy a priority and is pushing for a 'clean energy economy.' Not to pursue alternative fuel sources will directly impact our ability to be economically competitive, as other countries will have cheaper electricity for manufacturing and services. We need to protect the U.S. from economic and strategic risks associated with our reliance on foreign oil. We also need to address the destabilizing effects of a changing climate, Internet is heavily impacted by our energy use."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nottestad, Tammie L.
2010-03
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Empathetic Leadership in Critical Situations: How Can Leaders Lead with Empathy in Times of Trauma?
"Junior officers and senior enlisted leaders face intense crises and duress during deployments. They operate in high reliability organizations (HROs) where planning for failure is the norm and individuals' expectation of loss is high. Still, when units experience IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or suicide bomb attacks, unit integrity and ability to stay together and focused are called into question. This thesis first explores and develops the concept of empathetic leadership; it is differentiated from similar concepts of leadership in the context of a critical military incident. The research then analyzes leadership behavior described in detail in a Ground Combat Element (GCE) after an unexpected suicide bomb attack at an entry control point in a combat zone where a well-respected Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) lost his life. His positive effect on his men made his loss difficult for the unit, making it hard for the unit to recover and heal. The central aim of this thesis is to analyze the incident of the loss of the SEL and uncover key leadership behaviors under traumatic and life-threatening situations necessary for managers of high reliability organizations. More than any other characteristic of leadership, empathy plays a vital and effective role in the leading as long as it ensures communication and generates mutual trust between the leader and the follower. Lessons derived from this case provide useful perspectives of managing and leading in critical situations where major trauma is a vital concern."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Polymilis, Charalampos
2010-03
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Energizing the Enterprise: An Incentive-Based Approach to Homeland Security
"The key message for the homeland security enterprise in the 2010 National Security Strategy is that homeland security 'is not simply about government action alone, but rather about the collective strength of the entire country.' Based, in part, on sheer numbers, but mostly on its ability to touch every aspect of every life in every location, the American population is simply unmatched by any other resource at our disposal. Therefore, the country's collective strength hinges on the participation of its citizens. Unfortunately, however, much of the population perceives homeland security as a collective good--that they will receive the same benefits whether they contribute or not. After examining the level of importance of individuals to homeland security and then assessing their current level of engagement, this thesis evaluates the tendency of individuals to remain free riders in the administration of a public good--homeland security. The study concludes that the lack of citizen participation is a collective action problem, which will only be remedied through the use of 'separate and selective' incentives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Porter, Jason B.
2010-12
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Security Force Assistance: Strategic, Advisory, and Partner Nation Considerations
"United States Security Force Assistance (SFA) provided to partner nations (PN) enjoys varying degrees of success. The conduct of a PN government can have a tremendous impact on the success of SFA efforts and, although it is often ignored, is not beyond the capability of the U.S. to influence. Additional factors within U.S. control, such as the establishment of clear goals and objectives, as well as unity and continuity of effort, often do not receive adequate emphasis in SFA operations. The way U.S. advisors are selected, trained, and employed can also have a significant impact on the success of SFA operations. Although General Purpose Forces (GPF) have assumed a greater advisory role in recent years, the training they currently receive is not adequate to make them effective advisors. This thesis will show that, in order for U.S. SFA missions to be successful, such operations must: be based on clearly stated goals and objectives agreed upon by both the U.S. and the PN government, be contingent upon a PN government adhering to prescribed standards of conduct, and employ advisory personnel and units that have received specialized training in advisory duties."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Pirone, Sean R.
2010-12
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Biometric Borders and Counterterrorism
"This thesis investigates the ties between biometrics and state security by analyzing biometric identification and screening programs, their structural elements, and ultimately their effectiveness. Although biometric identification is rapidly becoming an international norm, quantitative assessments of biometric identification programs within the larger context of state and international security are non-existent. This thesis discusses the idea of identity, defines the identity problem, addresses identity's role in state security, and addresses how biometric identification contributes to this end. Individual characteristics of the most prominently used biometric identifiers are discussed in detail (face, fingerprint, and iris), as well as the overall concept of biometric identification. The ICAO [International Civil Aeronautics Organization] e-Passport program and the U.S. specific screening functions are presented to illuminate how biometric identifiers are used in practical applications. These programs, in turn, serve as the basis for the investigation of the effectiveness of biometric identification as it pertains to state security, focusing first on U.S. immigration and then on the broader context of international terrorism. Biometric identification has been largely credited with producing tangible security gains. This thesis seeks to tie a quantitative measure to that assertion and generate future discussion about the merits of biometrically based identification and screening."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Moore, Todd M.
2010-12
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Information-Sharing Application Standards for Integrated Government Systems
"This thesis examines the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) early acquisition shortcomings identified by the Government Accountability Office, DHS Inspector General and Congressional Research Service reports. Challenges identified in the initial development of HSIN reveal a lack of adequate program management, requirements planning, risk analysis and architectural design led to low user acceptance and continued DHS information-sharing challenges. Lessons learned from HSIN are examined to determine which best practices can help ensure major government software-acquisition projects meet user's needs. Often overlooked, but critical, software program-management practices include user requirements planning that focuses development on the highest priority tasks and encourages the timely accomplishment of project milestones, risk planning that ensures potential roadblocks are understood and addressed, and architectural design practices that foster the integration of both newly developed and legacy information systems. Without initial and continuous life-cycle requirements, risk and architectural planning, software projects run an increased risk of going over budget, missing operational milestones and ultimately not meeting its user's needs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lavers, Gary C.
2010-12
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Leveraging Naval Riverine Forces to Achieve Information Superiority in Stability Operations
"The conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan have provided an undeniable storyline: U.S. forces can conduct a conventional mission better than any in the world, but that mission, accomplished in short order, leaves behind a situation for which conventional forces and equipment are ill-prepared. This situation requires a new mission: Stability Operations. The blue-water is not where these 21st century conflicts will likely take place, and forces such as the U.S. Navy Riverines are among the many forces that provide a capability to integrate and communicate with local populations that cannot be matched by blue-water forces. While the riverine force's mission set is one that could become heavily utilized in stability operations, the ability to conduct those missions is currently hindered by a lack of implementation of information technology. The current disadvantages that greatly increase operational risk include a reduced capability to engage the population, reduced situational awareness, and limited communication reach-back capability. A riverine force properly equipped with and trained with biometric, unmanned, and information sharing systems would provide the NECC [Naval Expeditionary Combat Command], and U.S. Navy as a whole, a more comprehensive ability to conduct stability operations in brown-water areas, something no other conventional Navy unit can currently accomplish."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gray, Stephen C.
2010-12
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Cyberpeace through Cyberspace: Nation-Building against Transnational Terrorism
"Due to recent vulnerabilities of Department of Defense (DoD) networks, along with the rising importance of cyberspace and cyberspace warfare endeavors among competing great powers, the DoD is quickly recognizing the importance of cyberspace. At the same time, the roles of the military are shifting from traditional, strategic and conventional conflict into what Secretary of Defense Robert Gates calls 'soft power'--the capacity to perform nation-building missions against transnational terrorism. Cyberspace operations can play an important role in soft power as developing countries grow in their connectivity to information, especially with the proliferation of cell phone networks. By the end of 2010, 71 percent of new Internet users will be from developing nations. Ninety percent of the entire globe already has mobile phone access. This thesis studies two promising utilizations of mobile phones: mobile money and mobile surveillance. It is found that mobile money may reduce the threat of crime in non-stable areas where the United States is conducting nation-building operations. It then discusses new technologies through mobile phones and mobile devices which may help to prevent the theft of WMD [Weapons of Mass Destruction]."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Frye, Heath W.
2010-12
