N - Multilateral Planners Conference

UNCLASSIFIEDACP 200(B) Vol 1318. Distribution / Retrieval of Information – Information can be positioned properlythrough push or pull mechanisms:a. Push – Information necessary for decision-making is directed (or forced) fromthe originator to the recipient(s). This may be achieved during radio silence, orEMCON restrictions;b. Pull – Information necessary for decision-making is obtained (or requested) bythe user. This action requires two-way communications and is not achievableduring radio silence (i.e. when a covert EMCON plan is in force);319. The decision to push or pull may be influenced by:a. The relevance of the information;b. The information producer’s and consumer’s situational awareness levels. (I.e. isthe information producer aware of the relevance of the information? Is theinformation consumer aware that the information is available?);c. The network infrastructure availability (i.e. a broadcast system may be the onlyavailable asset); andd. The emission control state of the force (i.e. a COVERT EMCON policy maypreclude other means).INFORMATION DISSEMINATION PLAN (IDP)320. The Commander’s dissemination policy is captured in the IDP and may bepromulgated by the OPTASK IM. An IDP describes how the flow of relevant informationnecessary to support the mission will be managed. It will typically include the promulgationof authoritative data sources, required reports and submissions, unique characteristics of theinformation architecture, and push / pull guidelines and procedures to be followed. Moredetailed information as to the contents is provided in the example IDP at Table 3-1.Uncontrolled copy when printed321. An IDP that is reflective of the daily operations cycle is necessary to ensureinformation is available when and where required. This cycle is synonymous with “battlerhythm” and is represented in Figure 3-6. The Battle Rhythm reflects the time(s) of day forrecurring events and is an essential element in ensuring information is available when andwhere it is required. How the battle rhythm impacts upon available bandwidth, or vice versa,is depicted in Figure 3-7. All units and supporting agencies should be cognizant of the dailyoperations cycle.322. An understanding of peak bandwidth and information usage requirements will assistin the assignment of communications bearers and management of information flow. In thesample daily operations cycle provided in Figure 3-7, ships may have to assign higher data-3-9UNCLASSIFIEDOriginal