Cognitive Networks and Systems to Improve Coalition Operations Effectiveness

Successful coalition operations depend on the accuracy and timeliness of the tactical information shared by participating units where sensor and communications delays are among the many factors affecting the pertinence of the information shared. Advanced cognitive networks (CNs) are a subset of cognitive dynamic systems (CDS) or distributed intelligent systems. CDS accelerate the production of accurate information and its timely sharing among participating agents which in turn improve decision making and likelihood of desired outcomes of course of actions. CDS are enabled by learning software run on advance specialized hardware, and they are used in distributed cognitive sensing and decision making to control effectors or inform users. If developed successfully, showing endurance at low cost, they are likely to provide significant advantages to their early adopters. Although CDS are progressing fast for applications such as autonomous cars and Fifth Generation (5G) services, no military CDS seem to have been deployed so far besides incomplete demonstrations.