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presented at the 30^th ICCRTS��David S. Alberts� Institute for Defense Analyses �Björn Johansson �Linköping University�Magdalena Granåsen �Swedish Defence Research Agency �Ulrik Spak �Swedish Defence University �

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Command and Control (C2) Basics

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Agenda

Command and Control (C2)
Agile C2
Multi Domain C2
C2 Design
Discussion

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Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)

NATO (2022). AJP-01

“The orchestration of military activities, across all domains and environments, synchronized with non-military activities, to enable the Alliance to create converging effects at the speed of relevance.”

NATO (2023). Alliance Concept for Multi-Domain Operations

Unity

Agility

Creativity

Interconnectivity

Multi-domain operations is the orchestration of military activities, across all domains and environments, synchronized with non-military activities, to enable the Alliance to create converging effects at the speed of relevance.”

Enabled by a manoeuvrist approach to gain and exploit the initiative by enhancing the opportunities for pre-emption, surprise, simultaneity, tempo and exploitation. Mission command. Narrative-led approach.

This is achieved by enhancing a commander’s ability to: identify and compensate for the weaknesses in one capability or domain with the strengths of another; exploit a wider array of points of influence; or concentrate multi‑domain operations on a single point of influence, while minimizing their own exposure to risk. This dislocation and disruption generates greater freedom of manoeuvre to create physical, virtual and cognitive effects in the engagement space.

Promotes agility.

Challenges: Simplicity, clarity, interoperability, synchronization of actions also including civilian elements.

Prerequisite – Battlespace management, situational awareness, connectivity, interoperability, information sharing.

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NATO MDO Concept

MDO

CONSULT

SYNCHRONIZE

ORCHESTRATE

CONVERGE

MIL

Domains

Dimensions

virtual

cognitive

physical

Space

Air

Land

Maritime

Cyber

activity

Activity across 5 domains

orchestrated and synchronized

to achieve lethal and non-lethal effects in 3 dimensions

Capable of operating in non-permissive environments

effects

Academia

DIPLO

ECO

IINFO

MILITARY

AIR

FORCE

SPACE

ARMY

CYBER

NAVY

Industry

Partners

nationally integrated military forces

nationally integrated IoP’s

external stakeholders

MILITARY

FIN

INT

LEG

NATO (2023). Alliance Concept for Multi-Domain Operations

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NATO MDO Concept

NATO (2023). Alliance Concept for Multi-Domain Operations

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Multi-Domain C2 (MDC2)

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Multi-Domain C2 seeks to

avoid conflicts and enable synergies

within, between, and among entities

conducting operations in multiple domains, and

the effects that these operations create

Multi-Domain C2 involves both

C2 Approaches that are adopted by each of the entities in each of their operating domains

the Harmonization Arrangements that govern behaviors between and among the set of entities participating in a MDO

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Harmonization options

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C2 Principles – AJP-01

NATO (2022). AJP-01

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Cross-Domain Command Concept 1(2)

NATO ACT (2025). Cross- Domain Command Concept Brief

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Cross-Domain Command Concept 2(2)

NATO ACT (2025). Cross- Domain Command Concept Brief

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CDC OUTCOME

THE CHANGE

THE CHALLENGE

CROSS-DOMAIN COMMAND VISION

CROSS-DOMAIN COMMAND

ORCHESTRATE

SYNCHRONIZE

DECISION ADVANTAGE

RECOMMENDATIONS:

PEOPLE:

PROCESSES:

TECHNOLOGY:

Cultural Values & Mindset,

Recruitment,

Education & Training

Doctrine, Policy & Legislation, Terminology, Procurement, Adapt Operational Approaches, Organizational Structures, Dispersal

Digital Transformation, Continuous Technology Integration, Managed Technology, Human Machine Teaming & Automation

The responsibilities and functions of military commanders at all levels to Orchestrate and Synchronize activities across operational domains with the aim of achieving military objectives

Analytical model for change

The authorized direction of military activities to achieve commander´s intent

The collaborative alignment of military and non-military activities

to achieve synergy through converging effects

Domain-agnostic command able to navigate complex and contested conditions at scale and speed to achieve Decision Advantage

Three Drivers for Change �are overwhelming �20th Century Command & Control

An agile and unified approach for informed, faster and better decisions

Tech enabled, data driven�Focused to deliver effects

COLLABORATE

EMPOWER

SHARE

EXPANDED INFLUENCE SPACE

OPERATIONAL-TECHNOLOGICAL ADAPTATION

RESILIENCE & CONTINUITY

COLLECTIVE UNDERSTANDING

DYNAMIC COMMAND

Actors

Operational Domains

Context Complexity

Command Imperatives

Command Principles

CDC FRAMEWORK

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CROSS-DOMAIN COMMAND

Maintaining Decision Advantage through informed, faster and better decision

CDC

Strategic

Operational

Tactical

Command

Principles

Command

Imperatives

Managed Technolgy

Command Support Systems

ADM�COA´s, Risks etc.

Tailored Options

Converging Effects

Present Dilemmas

& Build Advantage

Decision Making

Orchestrate

Synchronize

ACTIVITIES

EFFECTS

Physical

Cognitive

Virtual

Culture & �Mind-set

Prepare

Plan

Execute

Assess

Military Planning

Orchestrate

Synchronize

Decision Advantage

Mission Command

Continuity of Command?

Simplicity

SSI

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Comparing C2 Principles

AJP-01 C2 Principles