Computers in the Workplace

 I have chosen to discuss network infrastructure within the military. Military networks have been going through multiple changes over the years to keep up with the ever-changing information environment for warfighting.

                Computers play a vital role in military networks and daily operations. While running a Communications Operations Center, you will have several computers running different applications for certain warfighting functions. You will most likely see an application for fires, chat, and command and control of the operational area. Furthermore, the military uses computers daily for checking email, sending reports, and accountability of people and equipment.

                Employees must be computer literate in the military. I believe that gone are the days where you say you don’t need a computer to fight a war. These days everything is virtualized to include video feeds, targeting, surveillance, and common operation pictures. If you cannot have a basic understanding of computer operation, your value in the military will be severely reduced. We currently use various applications, software, hardware, and peripherals daily.

                The leadership of DOD has believed for some time that global communications technology, epitomized by the Internet and the World Wide Web, will fundamentally transform the conduct of war in the 21st century just as airpower transformed it between World Wars I and II (Committee on Network Science, 2005). Over the next ten years, I see the military becoming even more advanced. We are currently competing with some of our near-peer aggressors to maintain momentum in the cyber warfare battlespace. There will be an advancement in networks, applications, weapons, and aircraft that will tie them into some type of military network. The Marine Corps alone had stood up several units to assist with this to include Marine Corps Cybersecurity Command and the 1st Network Battalion. The Cyberspace domain is so important that the Secretary of Defense recognized the significance of the cyberspace domain to national security and directed the establishment of U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) as a sub-unified command under U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) (Marine Corps Cybersecurity Command, 2018).

                As in any industry, as times change, so will the technology. To remain relevant In any industry, we have to maintain our awareness of the most current computer technology to make us as efficient as possible.

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2017). Computing technology for all. Retrieved from zybooks.zyante.com/

Committee on Network Science for Future Army Applications; Board on Army Science and Technology; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; National Research Council. (2005, May 1). Read “Network Science” at NAP.edu. The Network Academies Press. https://www.nap.edu/read/11516/chapter/5

Smith, B. (2018, November 12). Technology and the US military. Microsoft On the Issues. https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2018/10/26/technology-and-the-us-military/ (Links to an external site.)

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command. (2018, February 5). About Us. https://www.marforcyber.marines.mil/About/