C2 Through the Architectural Lens: An Operational Architecture of C2 Capability
The Operational Architecture C2 Bundeswehr is integrated into the Bundeswehr Enterprise Architecture. Architecture models use databases to represent complex problems and reduce them to the variables relevant to the decision-making process without losing sight of correlations, interactions and interdependencies. Data from various sources are combined and visualized in such a model. Using analytic tools, such structured merging allows for systematic and partly automated analysis of the underlying data model.
Architectures such as the Operational Architecture C2 Bundeswehr represent operational processes of the Bundeswehr across all domains in a manner suitable for digital evaluation. Building on the question of how we fight in the context of multidomain operations (MDO) and Federated Mission Networking, the Operational Architecture C2 Bundeswehr provides the basis for joint multinational capability development geared toward the requirements of national and collective defense.
As a basis for all conclusions to be drawn, the Operational Architecture C2 Bundeswehr describes and defines an organization’s elements and procedures on five levels.
1. Operational processes: The Bundeswehr’s operational processes, i.e., its business processes as a military enterprise, in particular the operational and enabling swimlanes of Federated Mission Networking, are essential for the Bundeswehr’s delivery of effects.
2. Basic structures: This level describes the C2 organization and its elements on the battlefield, from the tactical command post in the battalion to the strategic situation center at the Federal Ministry of Defence.
3. Processes and procedures: This level comprises the procedures and processes of command and control, i.e., the rules that govern the dynamic interaction of all components on the battlefield.
4. Information exchanges and requirements: This level focuses on the quantity and quality of information exchange between different actors and systems, the so-called information exchange requirements. It identifies who exchanges information of what kind with whom via what system and the importance that is attached to the information. Ensuring the multinational flow of information is a particular challenge. Some of the multinational partners integrated into the brigade use different communication and information systems—the seamless connection of which must be ensured.
5. Security domains: Security domains define the security levels for information exchange in a defined environment to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. A clear, multinational approach to data transmission at the interface of different national security domains among all NATO partners is crucial.
Together, these levels make up a comprehensive model of the Bundeswehr’s C2 capability. It shows who communicates with whom, when and how, and what is required for information to be exchanged—within the Bundeswehr, across federal ministries and at the multinational level. In particular, integrating the expertise of soldiers, with their knowledge of battlefield processes and the C2 capability of the Bundeswehr, ensures a realistic reflection of operational processes.
Building on this database, the tool-based analysis of the Operational Architecture C2 Bundeswehr allows conclusions to be drawn about the future setup of the Bundeswehr information and communications network—not just from a technical perspective but also with regard to C2 procedures and processes. Through consistent application of the Operational Architecture C2 Bundeswehr, the Bundeswehr will become faster, more mobile, more interoperable and more multidimensional across the entire field of C2 capability—or, in short, more warfighting-capable.