The 1996 Defense Science Board (DSB) Task Force on 'Improved Application of Intelligence to the Battlefield' submits this report to document its work, findings and recommendations, which extends and refines the prior year's study on the same subject. The Task Force was asked to: (1) review and evaluate the progress made in implementing the recommendations made last year; (2) identify further actions that could be quickly implemented to improve the safety and effectiveness of the coalition forces in Bosnia prior to and during their redeployment; and (3) recommend longer term actions to prepare for future contingencies. This report documents detailed recommendations for each one of the three parts of the assignment. While the 1995 study focused on contributions that the recommended technology and equipment additions would have on operations in Bosnia Herzegovina and other Theater sites, this year's report highlights the need for changes in operations as well as joint, Service and coalition doctrine to leverage the deployed technology and equipment infrastructure. However, the non- technological' changes are at least as important to make as the technological' changes and will require strong commitment and leadership at all levels for effective implementation. The Task Force found numerous systemic barriers to achieving information dominance. With the potential for deployment of ground forces and the resulting increased operational stress, the shortcomings and unnecessary risks would be expected to increase unless significant changes were made.

The Defense Science Board (DSB) Advisory Group was asked to examine the use of operations research (OR) methods to support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) decision making within the DoD. The DSB was asked to survey the departments and agencies to determine how much OR is being performed; assess how the results of OR are being used in decision making; recommend a test cases(s) for using OR methodologies; and recommend steps DoD can take to institutionalize the use of OR in future DoD decision making. Illustrations.

In 200, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD(AT & L)) directed the Defense Science Board (DSB) to study the precision targeting of air-delivered munitions. The results of the 2001 Task Force were well-received within Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and in June 2003, USD(AT & L) directed the DSB to study the closely related topic of "integrated fire support in the battlespace." In this new study the 2003 Task Force applied an approach and methodology similar to the 2001 effort but focused instead on ground-based fires, sea-based fires, and close-air support. As directed in its terms of reference (TOR), the 2003 Task Force assessed the following: ̂ The adequacy of current and proposed munitions, ̂ The timeliness and accuracy of ISR systems, ̂ the adequacy of battlefield C(exp 3) systems, and ̂ Impediments to integrated fires. From October 2003 through April 2004, the Task Force met monthly to gather information.