This paper analyzes Network Centric Warfare (NCW) and outlines the steps and policies necessary to move the South Korean military towards effective implementation of such war-fighting capabilities.
The author defines Network Centric Warfare as a new military theory of war where the difficulties of time and space in coordinating warfare operations are overcome through the superior sharing, collaboration and synchronization of information through a robust network.
Achieving such goals involves the development of new telecommunications technologies, modes of communication and network sharing to increase the efficiency of war fighting capabilities through the joint ownership of information and strategic comprehensiveness. The South Korean military has dedicated itself towards developing NCW capabilities in 2005 and is striving to meet the goals outlined in the Defense Reform 2020. Korea's NCW capabilities still lack the basis for implementing a unified strategy.
The paper outlines the steps necessary to build the infrastructure for NCW. The author emphasizes the necessity of improving ISR capabilities, implementing doctrine research, setting up a top planning organization under the minister of National Defense, and changing military culture and leadership. The author states that South Korea has a strong foundation in advanced information and communications technology; however the military needs to focus these resources towards developing the infrastructure of a NCW system. The author also points out the significance of a new leadership style which promotes creativity, self-ruling spirits, and NCW concepts.
Although NCW is a broad term that encompasses many elements, the paper ends by stating that South Korea can develop a uniquely Koreanized NCW model, embedded within the grand plan of 'Defense Reform 2020'.