Case Studies : CAN TECHNOLOGY SAVE SOLDIERS LIVES IN IRAQ?

Case Study : Can technology save soldiers in Iraq

Summary:

Effective information system has a vital role in Warfield .Poor communication and insufficient systems don’t just waste money; they increase soldiers’ risk of being injured or killed. The U.S went into the Iraq war with many technological advantages. Despite these significant advantages U.S Military forces have the encountered with difficulties .These are information about enemy movement and troop levels did not reach the officers in the ground Quickly, slow down load speed buggy software etc. The organization of U.S military forces and the chain of command also played role. U.S Military used long chain of command and control process. As a result, there were time delays and gaps in flow of information .The environment in Iraq did not suit this strategy .Then they develop horizontal technology strategy .U.S Military use new horizontal technologies is TIGR in Iraq. TIGR is a combination of Google Maps and Wikipedia that helps soldiers access and distribute information about people, places and activity in Iraq. TIGR will be very helpful technology in future military campaigns. 

Q1: What features of organizations are relevant for explaining the performance of information systems during the Iraq War? 

Information systems and organization influence one another .The features of organization that are relevant for explaining the performance of information system. The Chain of Command from the top to the bottom. 

Q2: What difficulties did U.S. military forces in Iraq encounter with information systems? 

It was less efficient than it was thought to be originally. Communicating data, the units had to be stationary to send and receive the information causing the units to vulnerable attacks. 

What management, organization, and technology factors contributed to these difficulties? 

Slow download speeds, software problems and lockups lasting as long as10 to 12 hours at any given time. 

Q3: Describe TIGR and explain why it has been so beneficial to U.S. patrol groups in Iraq. 

TIGR is Tactical Ground Reporting System, which is an application described as a cross between Google 

Maps and Wikipedia. This helps soldiers access and give information about people, locations, and activity in Iraq. 

Q4: Why is TIGR an example of horizontal technology?

Horizontal technology involves the transfer of technical knowledge and hardware from one geographic location to another. The TIGR system allows departing units to transfer tactical information to their replacements. When the troops return from patrols, they feed information back into the system, adding to the data available to the next patrol leader. By simply clicking on icons, they can bring up not only sites of past hostile action but also photos and background on local leaders. Some to see and others to avoid, videos of hostile and safe places, and reports from previouspatrols.

Q5: How helpful will TIGR be in the future military campaigns?

TIGR is a positive step toward closing the time gap between sender and receiver of critical reporting. The Army's adoption of this program takes advantage of the military's most effective and valuable information gathering resource - the Soldier, because of this “every Soldier has a sensor” concept. Soldiers and convoy commanders’ record in TIGR any observations and events that occurred along their routes. Both the modern and future battlefields rely heavily on programs like TIGR to assist in gathering and processing information from the asymmetrical battlefield. Now they have their own tool at company level that pulls up a wealth of information that helps determine their safest route. 

Q6: What is DARPA? What role does it play in developing US military system?

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of new technology for use by the military. DARPA has been responsible for funding the development of many technologies which have had a major effect on the world.