Answers at the edge: Where to find solutions that connect the battlespace

A connected battlespace needs to work for everyone everywhere. DoD can create a base level for data security, management, and sharing that creates a common operating picture of the battlespace. Chadwick Ford, team lead for Army Connected Battlespace capabilities at Collins Aerospace, has some thoughts on solutions that will work.

Breaking Defense: What’s your definition of the ‘connected battlespace’ and where are the gaps in achieving connection?

Ford: The phrase ‘Connected Battlespace’ represents the military’s approach to data sharing across echelons, and the adaptability to different phases of competition or conflict. Persistent issues we see across all levels include translating classified data for sharing among diverse services, organizations, and coalition partners. Managing data security across various levels and enclaves, alongside creating a unified common operating picture, maintaining connectivity in degraded environments while on the move, remains a formidable challenge.

At the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, the challenges evolve, making it complex to pinpoint singular gaps for 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 at the recent Valiant Shield exercise to demonstrate how we could enable that unit to take command and control (C2) capabilities from a fixed site and quickly integrate them into a mobile, low-visibility vehicle for more resilient, distributed C2.

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 quick transitions between fixed and mobile sites during multi-domain operations, enhancing both survivability and situational awareness.

We call the solution mix we tested at Valiant Shield ‘Next Generation Battle Management On-The-Move’ and have a roadmap for advancing this technology suite in successive large force exercise demonstrations that will show how this capability can scale to connect more networks and provide joint and coalition forces a more decisive edge in the early stages of a conflict.

Breaking Defense: How should the DoD and industrial base move to focusing more on solutions, especially in development of a common operating picture?

Ford: This question is crucial as it tackles a problem with a readily attainable solution. Rather than focusing solely on equipment standardization, the priority should be on ensuring consistent situational awareness across all military units.

To effectively move from identifying problems to implementing solutions in the development of a common operating picture (COP), the Department of Defense (DoD) and its industrial partners must adopt a strategic approach. This begins with clearly defining operational objectives and requirements for the COP across all military echelons and domains. Close collaboration through joint working groups, consortia, and research agreements is essential to address specific COP challenges. Incentivizing innovation within the industrial base with grants, funding opportunities, and contracts focused on COP development promotes creative problem-solving and rapid prototyping.

Embracing agile development practices facilitates iterative improvements and responsiveness to evolving operational needs and technological advancements. Standardizing interfaces and data formats promote interoperability, enabling seamless information exchange and enhancing real-time decision-making capabilities. Investing in comprehensive training programs ensures that military personnel and industry stakeholders possess the necessary skills to effectively deploy and utilize COP solutions.

Finally, conducting pilot programs and demonstrations in operational environments validates the effectiveness of COP solutions, providing critical feedback for further enhancement. By implementing these strategies, the DoD and its industrial partners can effectively progress from identifying issues to actively developing and deploying solutions that optimize the common operating picture, enhancing military effectiveness across all domains.

Breaking Defense: What does being a connected warrior mean to soldiers and Marines on the ground?

Ford: The concept of the connected warrior goes beyond basic battlefield communication and movement. It involves the capability to independently execute missions, even in the absence of direct orders from higher headquarters.

Understanding the broader operational situation and one’s specific role is critical, from the smallest unit to the highest command levels. In situations where communication is disrupted, being ‘connected’ means timely access to relevant data for informed decision-making rather than constant communication. Despite challenges in connectivity, the operational context remains clear.

The decentralized command structure of the United States military is a key strength. Whether leading a task force, air assault unit, or maneuver force, commanders wield authority within defined constraints, managing units effectively and maintaining connectivity, even without continuous communication with higher headquarters.

Ultimately, connected warriors possess a deep understanding of their role within the operational context, enabling effective mission execution despite communication challenges. And they’re the best suited for informing the capability testing we conduct in the theaters where they operate. They’re the driving force behind a lot of the work we do.

Breaking Defense: Part of that puzzle is about addressing the long-standing issue with stovepipes. What can be done today with software and interfaces to bridge stovepipes?

Ford: I would propose looking at the question from a different angle. The technology needed to bridge existing stovepipes and connect disparate networks is readily available today. Whether it involves integrating legacy equipment with current or future systems, or enabling communication across different branches of the military, the capability exists. However, a unified and coordinated approach across the DoD could more effectively tackle the intricate challenge of connectivity.

Each military service is actively engaged in addressing this issue, with strong support from industry. The primary challenges lie in the scale of the task, the time required to implement changes to existing programs, the associated costs, and the investment in capabilities that were initiated a decade ago. Resolving these issues will require a phased approach and a commitment of time to implement comprehensive solutions.

Achieving seamless connectivity across various platforms—whether they are mounted, dismounted, manned, or unmanned—is essential. It’s analogous to not having Apple CarPlay in your car; without it, connecting to Apple CarPlay becomes nearly impossible without resorting to expensive aftermarket solutions, which may not guarantee success.

In the military context, there are evident issues with connection, data flow, and information exchange across services, complicating effective communication even within the same service echelons. While the technology exists, the scale of the challenge necessitates concerted effort, resources, and funding from multiple individuals and service branches.

Integration is crucial. A focused approach on standards for data and connectivity is essential to harmonize programs seamlessly. Depending solely on a single program manager is impractical, particularly across diverse military branches. Addressing this challenge is undeniably formidable, but it requires incentivizing individuals and organizations to collaborate and innovate towards solutions. Without such collective motivation, this connectivity issue will persist indefinitely.

Breaking Defense: Final thoughts?

Ford: These are complex problems we are solving, and it takes partnership between DoD and industry to solve them. The partnership allows us to get capability out in the field quickly to make, break and remake it until it gets the job done.