NATO STO

Data collection procedures; data collection plans; data collection concepts; data management; operational analysis; operational assessment 

Commanders in NATO operations routinely rely on analytic support to enhance their decision making processes. Reliable and accessible data is an essential component of this analytical work. However, analysts frequently struggle to find the necessary data, partly because the data has not yet been collected and partly because existing data has not been well managed. The digitalization of the battlefield implies a proliferation of real-time machine data (i.e. blue force tracker, RFID) that will increase the volume, velocity, and variety of data available for analysis. This massive increase in collected data offers a tremendous opportunity for NATO analysts to provide more timely and extensive advice to commanders. However, with more data, effective data management will become an even bigger challenge. Therefore, the question facing NATO today is how to prepare its deployed headquarters to effectively collect and manage an increased amount of data for timely use in analysis support to operations. The private sector is rapidly recognizing the challenges and potential benefits associated with analytics of “big data” and has already begun adapting its working practices to capitalize on these benefits for business success. NATO also needs to consider how it will adapt its collection and management of data to the future information environment. In order to adapt to this challenge, like the private sector, NATO will need to consider not just new procedures or databases, but also how to implement systemic changes across its data related Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities and Interoperability. Previous SAS activities addressing data collection concerning IFOR and SFOR and were completed in 1998 (cp. SAS 003). Since then significant technological advances have greatly increased the ability to process and store larger volumes of data. Hence we recommend a Task Group of 2 years with the clarified title of: “Collection and Management of Data for Analysis Support to Operations”. 

To suggest how NATO deployed headquarters could enhance their ability (DOTMLPF-I) to collect and manage the data required for analytical support to NATO operations, including the requirement for “big data” analytics.