The Year 2000 Problem: Catalyst or Cataclysm for Future Information Operations?

The Year 2000 problem centers around how many information systems compute date math problems. In essence, computers affected by the problem use only two digits of the year instead of four when performing date math. This worked well in the last part of the 1900s and saved valuable computer storage space. It will cause problems after the year 2000 and may cause computer failure in one of three ways. The computer system may reject legitimate entries, simply not run, or compute erroneous results. This study explores the Year 2000 problem as the nations most dangerous, near-term information problem. A second significant theme argues the outdated information technology model is flawed and unsuitable for resolving the problem. The research also reviews the critical information technology issues affecting any potential Year 2000 solution and links the problem and the underlying model to illustrate the shortfalls. Furthermore, the problem may have a negative impact on the information operation doctrine evolving in the Force XXI Advanced Warfighting Experiments and delay deployment of a future Army Vision 2010 force and the Army After Next.