Digital Terms
The Modern Commander Needs Tech Chops
The modern battlefield is a technologically complex space. Systems and standards dating to the late Cold War operate alongside new technologies, many of which can be upgraded continuously and have some ability to “reach back” to the cloud and other systems.
These 25 terms represent a cross-section of concepts that span today’s military and commercial technology space. To effectively organize, train, and equip their Command, modern commanders should be able to have a technically-accurate conversation with their troops about these things.
Modern commanders don’t need to be coders (though that skill can help) to be effective ditigal leaders. With a simple but effective digital literacy, the modern commander and their staff can effectively shape their and the enemy’s combat operations such that technology becomes a true enabler – not a hindrance.
Commanders can familiarize with these terms in order to be conversant with their troops. Ultimately, through the trial-and-error incorporation of technology, commanders will drive better planning and execution by generating orders that account for the substantial battlefield opportunities – and the inherent risks – that modern digital technologies bring to the formation.