News
October 11, 2025
If data is the new ammo, Army may need dedicated data formations: General
Lt. Gen. Jeth Rey said the formations could “oversee that exchange of data, not only within the Army, but all of the joint services and our coalition partners.”
The U.S. Army may soon see the rise of specialized data formations, dedicated units focused solely on managing and leveraging the increasing deluge of information crucial to modern warfare. This proposal, put forth by Lt. Gen. Jeth Rey, highlights the growing recognition that data is no longer just a support function, but a critical weapon in its own right.
Speaking on the evolving landscape of military operations, Lt. Gen. Rey emphasized the need for a more structured and efficient approach to handling data. He argues that if data is indeed the "new ammo," then the Army requires dedicated formations to ensure its proper management, distribution, and utilization. These formations, he suggests, would act as central hubs, overseeing the critical exchange of data not only within the Army itself but also across all branches of the U.S. military.
The general envisions a collaborative ecosystem where vital information flows seamlessly between the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, enabling better-informed decision-making at all levels. Furthermore, the proposed data formations would extend their reach beyond domestic forces, facilitating data sharing with coalition partners. This interoperability is seen as essential for coordinated efforts in multinational operations and for maintaining a strategic advantage in a complex global environment.
The creation of these dedicated units would likely involve recruiting and training personnel with specialized skills in data science, analytics, cybersecurity, and information management. These experts would be responsible for collecting, processing, analyzing, and securing vast amounts of data generated from various sources, including sensors, intelligence reports, and battlefield communications.
The move towards dedicated data formations reflects a broader trend within the military towards embracing data-driven strategies. By establishing specialized units focused on data management, the Army hopes to unlock the full potential of this valuable resource, ultimately leading to improved situational awareness, faster response times, and more effective mission outcomes. The proposal is currently under consideration, and its implementation could represent a significant shift in the Army's organizational structure and operational capabilities.
Speaking on the evolving landscape of military operations, Lt. Gen. Rey emphasized the need for a more structured and efficient approach to handling data. He argues that if data is indeed the "new ammo," then the Army requires dedicated formations to ensure its proper management, distribution, and utilization. These formations, he suggests, would act as central hubs, overseeing the critical exchange of data not only within the Army itself but also across all branches of the U.S. military.
The general envisions a collaborative ecosystem where vital information flows seamlessly between the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, enabling better-informed decision-making at all levels. Furthermore, the proposed data formations would extend their reach beyond domestic forces, facilitating data sharing with coalition partners. This interoperability is seen as essential for coordinated efforts in multinational operations and for maintaining a strategic advantage in a complex global environment.
The creation of these dedicated units would likely involve recruiting and training personnel with specialized skills in data science, analytics, cybersecurity, and information management. These experts would be responsible for collecting, processing, analyzing, and securing vast amounts of data generated from various sources, including sensors, intelligence reports, and battlefield communications.
The move towards dedicated data formations reflects a broader trend within the military towards embracing data-driven strategies. By establishing specialized units focused on data management, the Army hopes to unlock the full potential of this valuable resource, ultimately leading to improved situational awareness, faster response times, and more effective mission outcomes. The proposal is currently under consideration, and its implementation could represent a significant shift in the Army's organizational structure and operational capabilities.
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World