Operations and opportunities in command and control

PDC2: An overview

The imperative to digitalize for operational advantage is a common theme among Canada’s allies. While there are differences in emphasis and conceptualization, the common approach is to connect sensors from all domains to a single information network and then use this networked system of systems to produce meaningful effects. Broadly, the effects of this pan-domain command and control (PDC2) environment can be broken down as follows:

1. All-domain awareness
2. Information dominance
3. Decision superiority

A PDC2 environment requires much more than just hardware, and enables much more than just command and control. The journey toward PDC2 will present myriad opportunities to enhance business processes and realize efficiencies in operational support throughout the CAF. It will also necessarily drive changes to the organization’s workforce.

While PDC2 is the goal, there are many side benefits, including enhanced supply-chain planning, warehousing, resupply, maintenance, and infrastructure management. The CAF already understands that focusing only on the technology and applications is not enough to realize a good return on investment for digital transformation. It must work to transform its workplace, its operating model, and its culture to achieve the information environment, data control, interoperability, and decision supremacy that it requires to keep Canadians safe in this increasingly unpredictable world.

For more, read Operations and opportunities in command and control.