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A Conceptual Framework for C2 Capability Lifecycle Governance: Integrating Time, Context, and Organizational Evolution

Per Wikberg (FOI), Alexander Kalloniatis (DSTG), Ralph. Dekker (NATO C2COE), Magdalena Granåsen (FOI), David Bryant (DRDC), Paul Gaertner (DSTG),

Jim Hill (DSTL), Marie-Eve Jobidon (DRDC)

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C2 Capability Lifecycle Governance: A Conceptual Framework

The concept paper:

Part of NATO-HFM-RTG 342 study
Explores solutions to C2 governance challenges
Suggest a unifying framework for C2 capability lifecycle
Discuss implications for the development of guidance for C2 Capability Lifecycle Governance.

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Key Terms and Concepts

Command and Control (C2)
Capability – C2 capability
Lifecycle
Governance

Management - C2 - Governance

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Speaker Notes:

I will not elaborate on Command and Control (C2) and Capability: Familiar to many of you
C2 Capability.

Not defined but C2 is described in capability terms in NATO documents. A joint function
ET 184 proposes a definition.
The ability to marshal and employ human, physical, and information resources to solve problems and accomplish missions. C2 capability is accomplished through a set of organizational and technical attributes and processes.” (Houghton et al., 2020

Lifecycle: Based on the ISO/IEC 15288 standard, covering stages from concept to retirement.

But also other life cycle models
Not included as defined term NATO AAP-01.
the NATO Lifecycle Management Group (LCMG) was established in 2003
However, we argue that the lifecycle approach is agreed on by NATO as they have agreed upon a NATO Policy for Systems Lifecycle Management in 2006

Governance:

Not defined by NATO – instead of linear structiure “chain of command”
High level oversight focusing on strategic guidance and accountability, distinct from day-to-day management
Principal-agent challenge
A series of paradigms
From regulations via NPM to good governance.

Codes of conducts – not legally binding guidelines has emerged – benchmarks for guidelines
Network solutions -

NATO has also one: NATO Centre for Integrity in the Defence Sector (CIDS).

Focus on integrity, anti-corruption, and good governance measures.
One for C2???

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Seven Propositions for C2 Lifecycle Capability Governance

Capabilities form over time
Capability development is segmented into phases
Capability development processes vary in time
Geopolitical and technological context varies
Capabilities must be understood by their relevance to context
C2 capability is a composition of elementary capabilities
Solutions for capability implementation vary over time

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Capabilities form over time

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Capability development is segmented into phases

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Capability development processes vary in time

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Geopolitical and technological context varies over time

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Capabilities must be understood by their relevance to context

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C2 capability is a composition of more elementary capabilities

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Solutions for capability implementation vary over time

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Combining the propositions

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Projects: Short-term components of long-term capability development

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Capability Lifecycle Management: Continuous, long-term oversight

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Command and Control: Coordination of existing and new capabilities

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C2 Capability Lifecycle Governance: Overarching systematic approach

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Implications and Conclusion

Suggested definition:

“The systematic approach for overseeing and managing the development, deployment, and maintenance of command and control capability within an inter-organizational networked military context”.

Guidelines should:

Address complex coordination among actors
Embrace network solutions and principal-agent framework
Communicate codes of conduct reflecting values and beliefs
Consider cultural aspects and variations
Remain adaptive to geopolitical and technological changes

A set of initial guidelines evaluated in an independent study presented here at the 29th ICCRTS (Granåsen et al., 2024).

Exploring guiding principles for Command and Control Capability Governance

Future work:

New TAP
Developing and evaluating guidelines
Expand the lifecycle concept to include other capabilities than “man-made systems”

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