PACE TRACKS

Magazine Overview

Title: PACE TRACKS
Issue: October 2000
Volume: 2000/4
Publisher: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of PACE TRACKS, dated October 2000, focuses on the critical role of space and information in modern warfare, with a prominent feature on the Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID).

Space and Information: The Warfighter's Edge

The lead article, "Space and Information: The Warfighter's Edge," details the participation of the Naval Space Command (NAVSPACECOM) Space Cell in the Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID) 00, which ran from July 10-28. JWID is an annual event sponsored by the Joint Staff designed to showcase evolving command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies. JWID 00 simulated a near real-time, multi-theater conflict scenario to identify and resolve warfighting deficiencies through hands-on demonstrations.

The demonstration was hosted by the U.S. Air Force, with U.S. Space Command serving as the sponsoring commander in chief (CINC). Air Force Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, commander in chief for U.S. Space Command, highlighted the increasing importance of space-based assets, stating, "Today space-based assets collect and transmit a significant portion of the information critical to military operations. It is clear this reliance on space will continue to grow. There's no going back."

JWID technology demonstrations follow a two-year cycle. The first year (theme year) involves commercial and governmental agencies providing solutions to identified interoperability and warfighting deficiencies using new or evolving technologies. These solutions are assessed by the warfighter, and promising technologies are identified as "Gold Nuggets." The second year (exploitation year) focuses on refining these "Gold Nuggets" for potential acquisition.

The article features Capt. Bing Jones, director of NAVSPACECOM's Intelligence/Operations Division (N2/3), examining the Space and Information Analysis Model being demonstrated. Lt. Paula Labbe of Naval Reserve NAVSPACECOM 0266 and Maj. John F. Manney Jr. from N2/3 are shown as observers.

The article is co-authored by Lt. Paula Labbe and IT1 Wanda Schmidt.

Contents

The table of contents lists several articles and features:

• Improved Tracking
• Space-Based Infrared
• Network Attacks
• Gamma Research
• New Commander
• Manned Space Support
• Space Billets
• SATCOM Road Show
• Teachers Discover Space

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the integration of space capabilities and information analysis into military operations, emphasizing their growing indispensability. The editorial stance appears to be supportive of technological advancement and interoperability in defense, particularly concerning space assets. The focus on JWID and the Space and Information Analysis Model suggests an interest in practical, demonstrated solutions to warfighting challenges.