Perspectives and trends

The Joint Warfare Analysis Department (JWAD) helps the Laboratory and its sponsors to better understand the dynamic and evolving environment within which we function. One way that JWAD does this is through general background studies and assessments that provide perspective and a foundation for more focused endeavors. These studies are initiated in conjunction with current work for APL sponsors or in anticipation of sponsored work to better equip the Laboratory to serve those sponsors. This article describes hour JWAD has performed this role for APL in a number of areas during the past decade and gives examples of the impact of our efforts. Highlighted are insights related to Desert Shield/Desert Storm and operations in Kosovo; Joint Warfighting Requirements and the increasing needs for combating terrorism; the emergence of the Infosphere and its military analog, Network-Centric Warfare; and an ongoing assessment of trends as part of the Laboratory's strategic planning.