Using Decision Analysis to Increase Commanders ’ Confidence for Employment of Computer Network Operations

M operations are by their vary nature complex. These activities range from humanitarian operations to homeland defense to various intensities of combat operations. Commanders and their staffs organize, train, exercise and practice for their assigned tasks in preparation of real operations. The tools and tactics deployed and employed during training and exercises become familiar to the commanders and their staffs. Through training, exercises and evaluations, commanders gain an understanding of the capabilities provided and the risks involved in employment. The confidence gained from training and exercises is enhanced during preparation and execution of actual operations. Information operations (IO) is increasing in importance in military campaigns. The tools and tactics employed in information operations, particularly when enhanced by command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) advances, are relatively new options available to military commanders. IO plays a significant role in ongoing military operations. Jane’s Defense Weekly, in an article titled, “US Air Force Refines Information Operations,” suggests there are several key lessons the USAF is reviewing. In the article, senior Network Attack (CNA), (2) Computer Network Defense (CND) and (3) Computer Network Exploitation (CNE). CNA and CND have received the greatest attention from national and international leaders in recent times.