For USINDOPACOM’s Valiant Shield 2024, Collins Aerospace worked with the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force to conduct the experiments using mobile, distributed command and control structure – in a ground vehicle – to rapidly reconfigure and deploy capabilities based on evolving mission requirements. (Photo courtesy of Collins)
A connected battlespace must work for everyone, everywhere. The Department of Defense can create a foundation for data security, management and sharing that creates a common battlespace picture. Chadwick Ford, team leader for Army Connected Battlespace capabilities at Collins Aerospace, has some ideas for solutions that work.
Breaking Defense: What is your definition of a “connected battlespace” and where are the gaps in establishing a connection?
Chadwick Ford is team leader for Army Connected Battlespace capabilities at Collins Aerospace.
Ford: The term “Connected Battlespace” represents the military’s approach to data sharing across echelons and adaptability to different phases of competition or conflict. The ongoing issues we see at all echelons include translating sensitive data for exchange between different services, organizations, and coalition partners. Managing data security at different echelons and enclaves, creating a unified common situational picture, and maintaining connectivity in compromised environments while moving remain a formidable challenge.
Challenges continue to evolve at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, making it difficult to identify single gaps in the connected warrior concept. That’s why we partnered with the Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force to test Mission Command On-The-Move concepts during the recent Valiant Shield exercise to demonstrate how we can enable this unit to take command and control (C2) functions from a fixed location and rapidly integrate them into a mobile, low-visibility vehicle to achieve a more robust, distributed C2 capability.
This advancement significantly enhances C2 operations by seamlessly integrating with networks such as the Integrated Tactical Network, Joint Fires Network, coalition networks, and commercial networks. It facilitates rapid transitions between fixed and mobile locations in multi-domain operations, improving both survivability and situational awareness.
We call the mix of solutions we tested at Valiant Shield “Next Generation Battle Management On-The-Move,” and we have a plan to further develop this technology suite in back-to-back large-force demonstration exercises that will demonstrate how this capability can scale to connect more networks and give joint and coalition forces a decisive advantage in the early stages of a conflict.
Breaking Defense: How can the Department of Defense and industry increase their focus on solutions, particularly in developing a common situational picture?
Ford: This question is crucial because it addresses a problem with an easily implementable solution. Rather than focusing solely on equipment standardization, the priority should be to ensure consistent situational awareness across all military units.
To effectively move from problem identification to solution implementation in developing a Common Operating Picture (COP), the Department of Defense (DoD) and its industry partners must take a strategic approach. This begins with clearly defining the operational objectives and requirements for the COP at all military levels and across all domains. Close collaboration in joint working groups, consortia, and research agreements is essential to address the specific challenges of the COP. Fostering innovation within industry through grants, funding opportunities, and contracts focused on developing the COP encourages creative problem solving and rapid prototyping.
Adopting agile development practices facilitates iterative improvements and responsiveness to evolving operational requirements and technological advances. Standardization of interfaces and data formats promotes interoperability, enables seamless information sharing, and improves real-time decision-making. Investing in comprehensive training programs ensures that military personnel and industry stakeholders have the skills needed to effectively deploy and use COP solutions.
Finally, conducting pilot programs and demonstrations in operational environments will validate the effectiveness of COP solutions and provide important feedback for further improvements. By implementing these strategies, the Department of Defense and its industry partners can effectively move from identifying problems to actively developing and deploying solutions that optimize the joint operating picture and improve military effectiveness across all domains.
A Collins Aerospace demonstration at EDGE 2022 created a unified command and control network that uses ground and air platforms to connect multiple brigade combat teams and division units located up to 365 kilometers (226 miles) apart across rugged terrain. An advanced tactical data link, mesh network and intelligent gateways enabled the integrated network. (Photo courtesy of Collins)
Breaking Defense: What does it mean for Soldiers and Marines in the field to be a connected warrior?
Ford: The concept of the networked warrior goes beyond basic communication and movement on the battlefield. It includes the ability to execute missions independently, even in the absence of direct orders from a higher headquarters.
Understanding the larger operational situation and one’s specific role is critical, from the smallest unit to the highest levels of command. In situations where communications are disrupted, being connected means timely access to relevant data for informed decisions rather than constant communication. Despite connectivity challenges, the operational context remains clear.
The U.S. military’s decentralized command structure is a critical strength. Whether leading a task force, an air assault unit, or a maneuver force, commanders exercise authority within defined boundaries, manage units effectively, and maintain liaison even without constant communication with higher headquarters.
Ultimately, connected warriors have a deep understanding of their role in the operational context, enabling them to effectively execute their missions despite communication challenges. And they are best suited to support the capability tests we conduct in the theaters where they are deployed. They are the driving force behind much of our work.
Breaking Defense: Part of this puzzle is addressing the long-standing problem of stovepipes. What can be done today with software and interfaces to bridge stovepipes?
Ford: I would suggest looking at the question from a different angle. The technology required to bridge existing silos and connect disparate networks is readily available today. Whether it is integrating legacy equipment into current or future systems or enabling communication between different branches of the military, the opportunities are there. However, a unified and coordinated approach across the Department of Defense could more effectively address the complex challenge of connectivity.
All armed forces are actively addressing this problem, with strong support from industry. The main challenges are the scale of the task, the time needed to implement changes to existing programs, the costs involved, and the investment in capabilities started a decade ago. Addressing these issues requires a phased approach and a willingness to spend time implementing comprehensive solutions.
Seamless connectivity between different platforms – whether mounted, dismounted, manned or unmanned – is essential. This is comparable to if your car does not have Apple CarPlay. Without this feature, connecting to Apple CarPlay is almost impossible without resorting to expensive aftermarket solutions that may not guarantee success.
In the military context, there are obvious problems with connectivity, data flow and information sharing between services, making effective communication difficult even within the same service echelons. While the technology exists, the scale of the challenge requires concerted efforts, resources and funding from multiple individuals and service branches.
Integration is critical. To harmonize programs seamlessly, a focused approach to data and connectivity standards is essential. Relying solely on a single program manager is impractical, especially across different military branches. Addressing this challenge is undoubtedly daunting, but incentives must be created for individuals and organizations to collaborate and develop innovative solutions. Without such collective motivation, this connectivity problem will persist indefinitely.
Breaking Defense: Final Thoughts?
Ford: We solve complex problems, and solving them requires a partnership between the Department of Defense and industry. The partnership allows us to quickly put capabilities into practice to create, destroy and recreate until they do the job.
