Experimenting with Fires: Toward a New Operational Concept

Abstract : The Ring of Fire concept is a net-centric system under evaluation by the naval services. Its purpose is to provide the Joint Force Commander the ability to plan and execute joint fires in the littoral battlespace. Development of this joint netwbrked fires delivery system is based on the requirements of CINCs and operational commanders. The means for development and evaluation of the Ring of Fire is the Fleet Battle Experiment series. These experiments are an incremental process. User input is the basis for experiment design, and execution includes their participation. Analysis of the results, inclusion of increasingly complex capabilities, and a more sophisticated operating environment provide the foundation for future experimentation. Five Fleet Battle Experiments have taken place to date. Through them, the Ring of Fire has matured in size and scope from its initial sea-based unit level operations. By incorporating land-based and airborne sensors and weapons platform the Ring of Fire has evolved into a scalable, fully integrated maritime and ground engagement system. Further experimentation conducted in close cooperation with operational forces is necessary. Continuing the procedure in a variety of diverse environments will provide ;Lhe operational commander a joint fires system that is capable of supporting the entire range of conflict. Persistence in developing the Ring of Fire through the Fleet Battle Experiment process will also ensure the discovery of system inadequacies and address potential solutions.