Big Data and the Military Communication

Big Data and the Military

Last year, Forbes published an article about how the military is taking advantage of the large amounts of data generated on the battlefield.  The ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly can mean life or death during war.  Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta outlined a strategic review of the country’s national defense.  His review recalled for increased investment in intelligence, information processing, exploitation, and dissemination.

The lines of communication are imperative to any group fighting a war.  The military has been growing their network of vast sensors that gather intelligence and data. One of the biggest additions in recent history has been the areal drone.  The article compares the military to business organizations and parallels how managing big data is becoming a necessity. Since September 11^th, 2001, the number of military surveillance drones has risen 1600% and the military currently has 7 million data generating computing devices. Experts project that number to double by 2020. 

The article states that the military is now looking beyond the typical defense contractors for resources. They have begun expanding to Silicon Valley to meet their data needs.  Forbes argues that “the era of separating traditional industries and technology industries is over.”  Those that fail to adapt will become obsolete. Defense companies have been preparing for this by creating strong positions in producing sensors like satellite payloads and airborne surveillance systems.

In the past 15 years.  The speed at which information is passed has grown exponentially.  The military used to be accustomed to debrief being their only source of information about an event.  Paperwork was a big part of battle.  Now, video and audio help convey the battle events at a real time speed.  When the Bin Laden raid took place, the President and his staff watched the events unfold live from several vantage points.  It’s the companies that can deliver these big data needs that will eventually win out the government defense contracts. 

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/techonomy/2012/03/12/military-intelligence-redefined-big-data-in-the-battlefield/