Digital C3 Systems on the Modern Battlefield: Tactical Systems With Strategic Implications for Combined Operations

Abstract : The proliferation of digital technology is having a profound impact on how ground forces are equipped, trained, conduct operations, and most importantly communicate. The combination of sensors, smart munitions and digital communications systems will provide military commanders unmatched information clarity and ability to execute missions with unprecedented speed and agility. Many suggest the process of moving from Industrial Age Forces to Information Age Forces, is actually a Revolution in Military Affairs. The combination of technology and evolving security environment will create new challenges for interoperability, and operating demands on alliances such as NATO. Several of NATO's members are aggressively developing digital command, control and communications (C3) systems. While NATO is currently pursuing initiatives to meet the interoperability requirements for systems interface, the scope of interoperability requirements will likely be beyond the mere passing of digits. The impact of digital C3 systems clearly affects interoperability across training, doctrine, communications and force structure. In order to ensure interoperability as new systems are fielded, NATO must initiate efforts now to ensure combined operations of the future are possible.