Featured Article: …Synchronization of Civil Information Management

Featured article:

A Call for Synchronization of Civil Information Management
by Michael L. Jones

Special operation forces (SOF) and interagency partners face unique challenges when conducting civil information management (CIM) within the joint interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational (JIIM) environments. Information management requires a streamlined technologic system that reduces redundant technological platforms for civil information sharing. Currently, there are more than ten platforms that exist between the military and interagency that are capable of synchronizing and distributing civil information. The lacking definitive definition of collaboration and the necessary technology solution that facilitates streamlined civil information sharing between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the interagency create problematic resistance barriers to streamlined information sharing.

Synchronizing CIM systems improves the sharing of civil information throughout the JIIM. SOF and the interagency community (IC) have successfully shared information, to include civil information and intelligence, foiling more than 60 terrorist attacks against the U.S. Information sharing and deconfliction requires significant synchronization. Successful CIM depends on streamlining organizational processes, synchronizing assets, and developing priorities.

Technology provides the necessary software and infrastructure solutions needed for collaborative analysis of civil information that can be leveraged by combatant commanders to inform and influence the decision-making cycle to achieve strategic success. Streamlining technological infrastructure enables organizations operating within the JIIM to maximize the use of civil information. Technology is the driving factor of synchronization. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has built one of the most network-centric organizations, with the capability to collaborate across military and civilian networks…

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Major Michael L. Jones is a civil affairs officer assigned to the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and is currently deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He received a master’s in Global and Interagency Studies from Kansas University, and has multiple deployments to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.