The Role of Data Collection and Big Data in Military War Planning PDF

**The Role of Data Collection and Big Data in Military War Planning** by Simon Jang Data is constantly generated a collected in the modern era by everything. Data has become an important asset in various domains, including the military. The collection and analysis of data play a pivotal role in sh...

**The Role of Data Collection and Big Data in Military War Planning** by Simon Jang Data is constantly generated a collected in the modern era by everything. Data has become an important asset in various domains, including the military. The collection and analysis of data play a pivotal role in shaping military strategies and decision-making processes. **Data Collection in the Military** Data collection in the military encompasses various sources and methods. One of the primary sources is intelligence gathering, which involves collecting information from multiple channels such as satellites, reconnaissance missions, human intelligence, and intercepted communications. These sources provide valuable insights into enemy capabilities, intentions, and vulnerabilities. For example, during the Gulf War in 1991, the U.S. military relied heavily on satellite imagery to gather intelligence on Iraqi military positions, infrastructure, and troop movements. Such as the data collected from the French SPOT satellite that was used to detect and monitor troops massing along an international border, near a demarcation line, or at key transportation nodes deep within a country (Gupta et al.). This data helped in planning airstrikes and ground operations with precision as well as the war planning that was involved later on. Additionally, military databases store vast quantities of data, including historical records, geographical information, and personnel files. These repositories allow for the retrieval and analysis of critical information that can shape military operations. Take the example of the NSA (National Security Agency) as of 2013 reported to contain at least 5 zettabytes of data storage at its data center in Utah ("Booting Up: New NSA Data Farm Takes Root in Utah"). Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is an intelligence and security organization responsible for providing signals intelligence (SIGINT) and information assurance (IA) to the government and armed forces of the United Kingdom, can collect has access to 10 gigabits of data a second, or 21 petabytes a day. Moreover, advancements in technology have revolutionized data collection in the military. A prime example would be the US Air Force E-8 Joint STARS (Surveillance Target Attack Radar System) which conducts airborne ground surveillance; collects data on enemy positions, vehicles, and aircraft, collects imagery, and relays tactical pictures to ground and air theater commanders. Additionally, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and reconnaissance drones equipped with sophisticated sensors enable real-time data acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These tools provide military planners with an up-to-date understanding of the battlefield, enhancing situational awareness. Such as the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, a remotely piloted surveillance aircraft part of many air forces that provides a broad overview and systematic surveillance using high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. Both manned and unmanned aircraft serve similar purposes, however, the UAV provides greater flexibility in terms of operational capability as well as the concern for the safety of the pilots and crewmen.