Redefining Contentious Dialogue or Discussion
In a significant move, the exercise control group has announced all communications are down, underscoring the urgency of improving the joint force's preparedness for a contested communications environment. This need is addressed through a strategic approach that encompasses refining language and cultural skills, understanding and optimising communication equipment, and risk management and tactical communication rehearsal.
Refining Language and Cultural Skills
To facilitate clear and rapid communication under stress, smart cards with translations of key operational questions and answers are being produced and distributed to junior Soldiers likely to make first contact. Leaders with relevant language and cultural expertise are being placed at key friction points, such as liaison officer roles, to bridge communication gaps and improve coordination. Time for language education and cultural immersion is being incentivised and protected among leaders and Soldiers [1].
Understanding and Optimising Communication Equipment
Detailed PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency) communications plans are being developed and rehearsed, accounting for equipment limitations and interoperability across multinational operations. Equipment shortcomings observed in exercises or prior operations are being identified and remedied to ensure organic communication capabilities are robust at all levels [1][4]. Advanced communication technologies that emphasise survivability, interoperability, and high-capacity data transfer are being leveraged to maintain operational effectiveness in jamming or GPS-degraded environments [1][4].
Risk Management and Tactical Communication Rehearsal
Extensive rehearsal of communication plans in realistic training exercises, such as the Globally Integrated Exercise and Large Scale Global Exercise, is being carried out to identify vulnerabilities, build familiarity, and test joint and multinational interoperability under contested conditions. Joint senior leader seminars and campaigns are being conducted to address recurring challenges and expand decision-making in complex environments [2][3]. Strategic communication discipline is being integrated by synchronising themes and messages to action, ensuring clarity of purpose and understanding across all levels to reduce misunderstandings and improve command and control under stress [2][3].
The need to understand our equipment, how to deploy it to maximise its LPI/LPD capabilities, and when not to use it is paramount. Existing policies for how and when technological solutions should be employed are being reevaluated, and tactics, techniques, and procedures are being refined [2]. It is recognised that contested communications is not solely, or perhaps even primarily, a technological challenge [3].
The term DDIL (Denial, Disconnection, Intermittency, or Limitations) is used to describe challenges in contested communications. The realignment of approach is necessary to prepare the force for the fight ahead. These changes will not be easy and will not come overnight, but they are crucial for the joint force's resilience and adaptability in contested and degraded communication environments [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Suh, A. (2022). Contested Communications: A Shift in Approach. Small Wars Journal. [2] Gaines, T. (2022). Preparing for Contested Communications: A New Era. Military Review. [3] Anonymous. (2022). Contested Communications: A Realignment of Approach. Strategic Studies Quarterly. [4] Anonymous. (2022). Overcoming Contested Communications: The Role of Advanced Technologies. Journal of Electronic Defense.
- To enhance operational effectiveness in warfare and special operations, advanced cybersecurity measures are being implemented to safeguard critical information and maintain communication integrity in jammed or GPS-degraded environments.
- The strategic approach to defense includes an emphasis on refining language and cultural skills, understanding and optimizing communication equipment, and risk management and tactical communication rehearsal, with a recognition that contested communications is not solely a technological challenge.
- As part of the effort to refine language and cultural skills, leaders with relevant expertise are being placed in strategic positions, and smart cards with key translations are being issued to junior soldiers for clear communication under stress.
- Emphasis is also being placed on developing detailed PACE communications plans, leveraging advanced communication technologies that prioritize survivability, interoperability, and high-capacity data transfer, and conducting extensive rehearsals of communication plans in realistic training exercises to test joint and multinational interoperability under contested conditions.
