This paper explores potential future reforms of the NATO command structure. The intent is to stimulate thought on the current structure's fit to oversee the forces and operations of a growing array of NATO missions. From capacity building with partners to peace operations, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations, Alliance forces are continuously engaged in multiple theaters. These challenges demand a command structure with organizational flexibility, an agile and competent international staff, highly integrated information systems, and deployable elements to accompany mobile forces for sustained periods of time. The command structure and the interoperable communications and information systems that support it are the sinews that tie together the national and multinational forces of NATO and its partners. They also serve to link those forces to the political direction and decisions of the North Atlantic Council (NAC).

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is investing heavily in information systems to support net-centric military capabilities and joint operations. With such programs as Global Information Grid Bandwidth Expansion (GIG-BE), Transformational Satellite Communications Systems (TSAT), Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), and Net Centric Enterprise Services (NCES), DOD is creating a global information backbone and striving to get useful bandwidth and information services to the warfighter. After declining in the 1990s, spending on communications and intelligence has grown by 50 percent since 2001. Yet, the investment in networks still is not enough to harness the full power of information for national defense.

During the course of nearly two years, the Center for Technology and National Security Policy (CTNSP), National Defense University (NDU), has conducted extensive research to identify and explore major cyber issues. These activities were performed in response to a request in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). The result of that research is documented in a book entitled Cyberpower and National Security.

society such as Afghanistan. More than 7 years into the presence of the United States and the UN, and m re than 5 years into NATO's mission in Afghanistan, it is worth analyzing the state of governance in that country and examining how-and to what extent-the goal of democracy might be achieved.

Requirements that Army systems be interoperable add cost to any program from its very inception, from applied research and development to program milestones and ultimate manufacture and fielding. Program funding estimates from the beginning of concept design and engineering must highlight the added costs associated with meeting various interoperability requirements.