Command and Control for Distributed Lethality

Exercising command and control (C2) during naval distributed lethality (DL) operations presents a complex system of systems (SOS) challenge in support of maritime control. Applying C2 within the DL environment requires development of methodologies to provide definition and structure for existing operational concepts while providing conceptual growth space for new operational techniques. We develop a systems architecture approach that defines C2 models for decentralized and distributed command structures and proposes criteria for assessing functionality and impacts to the C2 of naval platforms during DL operations. C2 modelling for DL documents the inter-connections and relationship of information flow and the system requirements for maintaining the interconnection links during a simulated operational deployment of an Adaptive Force Package (AFP). This structure provides for an architecture view of the functions and metrics that provide criteria for decision making during the operational planning of a DL mission. Development of an initial architecture enables future modelling and architecture refinement through simulations of the C2 structure and further research into technologies and methods of effective communication systems.