Cognitive interoperability and decision making in network-centric coalition force environments

A key tenant for US transformation to a Network-Centric Future Force is the ability to conduct real-time, continuous, collaborative Command and Control (C2) mission planning and operations management activities during the execution of joint and coalition force operations. In a lower echelon coalition force environment conduct of collaborative operations presents many significant technical and multi-cultural problems and issues. The military units comprising a coalition force often have significantly differing technical C2 and information distribution support capabilities i.e. - from highly automated to unsophisticated man intensive systems. Additionally, these multi-cultural units are also trained to fight differently, and at lower echelons have limited multi-language communication skills. Even when a coalition partner has a rudimentary knowledge of another nation´s language, understanding problems occur during C2 information exchanges. Usually C2 information exchanges are interpreted in terms of national operational doctrine, tactics and procedures not common to the entire coalition force. While US transformation to a Network-Centric Force will foster establishment of the communication networks needed to support collaborative C2 coordination activities between different echelons of a joint and coalition force, the cognitive interoperability and information/situation understanding issues occurring still needs resolution. In this paper we will discuss the results of experimentation activities between the US and Germany that focus directly on finding solutions for improving cognitive interoperability during the execution of real-time collaborative mission planning and management activities in the conduct of Brigade, Battalion and below coalition operations