1 / 25

Interoperability Challenges In a Combined Environment Colonel Dan Birrenkott United States Forces Korea J6 November 20

beth
Download Presentation

Interoperability Challenges In a Combined Environment Colonel Dan Birrenkott United States Forces Korea J6 November 20

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


    1. Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am Col Dan Birrenkott from United States Forces Korea. I am the J6 and Chief Information Officer. I will be giving you a briefing today on the Interoperability Challenges in a Combined Environment. This briefing is unclassified. First, a little background about myself. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1987, I’ve spent the last 23 years in a variety of assignments. Upon commissioning, I became a Communications and Computer Systems Officer. A few years later, the Air Force changed the designation to Communications and Information Systems, and just this year, Cyber Operations. My assignments have included responsibilities at the base level, Major Command, Air Staff, Joint Staff, and others. My deployments include Operation Southern Watch, Fervent Archer, Allied Force and Enduring Freedom.Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am Col Dan Birrenkott from United States Forces Korea. I am the J6 and Chief Information Officer. I will be giving you a briefing today on the Interoperability Challenges in a Combined Environment. This briefing is unclassified. First, a little background about myself. After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1987, I’ve spent the last 23 years in a variety of assignments. Upon commissioning, I became a Communications and Computer Systems Officer. A few years later, the Air Force changed the designation to Communications and Information Systems, and just this year, Cyber Operations. My assignments have included responsibilities at the base level, Major Command, Air Staff, Joint Staff, and others. My deployments include Operation Southern Watch, Fervent Archer, Allied Force and Enduring Freedom.

    2. Interoperability ?? Interoperability is critical to getting the mission accomplished. We must all work together to overcome the challenges of interoperability. To illustrate the coalition interoperability challenge, I’ll explain a challenge I encountered upon moving to Korea in 2009—a challenge that took me over a year to solve. Although it’s not related to information technology, the lessons are the same. How many of you are familiar with a kegerator? If you enjoy draft beer, the kegerator is the machine that keeps the keg of beer cold, and provides the pressure needed to produce draft beer. Several months before I relocated to Korea, I purchased a kegerator for my home. In the US this was a simple proposition since the power for the kegerator matched that in my house, the connections from the tap matched the keg, and the CO2 tank could be filled by a variety of vendors. Upon arrival in Seoul, I discovered that since my quarters are on a US military base, the power also matched. Further, US standard kegs of beer were available for purchase on the base. So far so good. My final challenge was to get my CO2 tank filled, which would complete the operation and provide me with cold draft beer at home. Not so fast. I soon discovered that the bars on base used local Korean vendors to fill their tanks. After being referred to one of the vendors, I was told (through an interpreter) that they could not fill my tank because the connectors didn’t match the Korean standards. At this point, my lack of ability to speak or read the Korean language, along with the fact that I had no contacts experienced with CO2 tanks essentially stopped me in my tracks. I gave up and decided draft beer would have to wait until I return to the US. Almost a year later, during a conversation with a fellow beer enthusiast, I discovered the location of a CO2 vendor in Seoul. He showed me where to find the vendor, and we pointed and pantomimed enough for me to not only purchase a Korean tank, have a US style adapter added so I could connect to my regulator, and have the tank filled. I was in business, and now have cold draft beer at home. The work I do follows a similar pattern. I have US standard IT equipment and software, I don’t speak or read the Korean language, and I need to interoperate with Korean systems in order to achieve my mission. Interoperability is critical to getting the mission accomplished. We must all work together to overcome the challenges of interoperability. To illustrate the coalition interoperability challenge, I’ll explain a challenge I encountered upon moving to Korea in 2009—a challenge that took me over a year to solve. Although it’s not related to information technology, the lessons are the same. How many of you are familiar with a kegerator? If you enjoy draft beer, the kegerator is the machine that keeps the keg of beer cold, and provides the pressure needed to produce draft beer. Several months before I relocated to Korea, I purchased a kegerator for my home. In the US this was a simple proposition since the power for the kegerator matched that in my house, the connections from the tap matched the keg, and the CO2 tank could be filled by a variety of vendors. Upon arrival in Seoul, I discovered that since my quarters are on a US military base, the power also matched. Further, US standard kegs of beer were available for purchase on the base. So far so good. My final challenge was to get my CO2 tank filled, which would complete the operation and provide me with cold draft beer at home. Not so fast. I soon discovered that the bars on base used local Korean vendors to fill their tanks. After being referred to one of the vendors, I was told (through an interpreter) that they could not fill my tank because the connectors didn’t match the Korean standards. At this point, my lack of ability to speak or read the Korean language, along with the fact that I had no contacts experienced with CO2 tanks essentially stopped me in my tracks. I gave up and decided draft beer would have to wait until I return to the US. Almost a year later, during a conversation with a fellow beer enthusiast, I discovered the location of a CO2 vendor in Seoul. He showed me where to find the vendor, and we pointed and pantomimed enough for me to not only purchase a Korean tank, have a US style adapter added so I could connect to my regulator, and have the tank filled. I was in business, and now have cold draft beer at home. The work I do follows a similar pattern. I have US standard IT equipment and software, I don’t speak or read the Korean language, and I need to interoperate with Korean systems in order to achieve my mission.

    3. AGENDA Definition USFK Commander’s Priorities Challenges Solutions Future System Considerations Summary Here is the agenda I will be following today. I will explain my Commander, General Walter Sharp’s priorities. Followed by interoperability challenges and possible solutions.Here is the agenda I will be following today. I will explain my Commander, General Walter Sharp’s priorities. Followed by interoperability challenges and possible solutions.

    4. Interoperability Definition - Ability of a system (as a weapons system) to work with or use the parts or equipment of another system (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interoperability). This is the definition of Interoperability found in Webster’s Dictionary. In the IT world, interoperability can be more complex than in the beer example I explained earlier. Not only do 2 pieces of equipment have to physically connect to each other, but data formats, crypto keys, databases, web interfaces, and the like, must be able to exchange data in a meaningful way, often using 2 languages that are difficult to directly translate.This is the definition of Interoperability found in Webster’s Dictionary. In the IT world, interoperability can be more complex than in the beer example I explained earlier. Not only do 2 pieces of equipment have to physically connect to each other, but data formats, crypto keys, databases, web interfaces, and the like, must be able to exchange data in a meaningful way, often using 2 languages that are difficult to directly translate.

    5. Priority #1: Be Prepared to Fight and Win This has been the number one priority for U.S. forces in Korea for more than 58 years and for the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command since its establishment in 1978. It represents a non-negotiable contract with the Korean people -- one we’ve upheld for 60 years. It remains our number one priority until all threats to the security of the Republic of Korea come to an end. To maintain our preparedness, ROK and U.S. Service-members improve their warfighting skills through tough, realistic training and theater-level exercises that leverage both ROK and U.S. training facilities and ranges. The command conducts two annual exercises, Key Resolve/Foal Eagle and Ulchi Freedom Guardian. While continuing to train to defeat the North Korea conventional threat, we will update our training program, so we can deter and defeat North Korean provocations, and together with our ROK Allies, effectively provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region. Another area of focus is combined warfighting, which is particularly important in an alliance environment. The ROK and U.S. forces area combined, joint team ready to fight together with a clear understanding of each other’s capabilities and roles. Bilateral planning ensures that all of our efforts are synchronized. The U.S. and ROK forces “go together,” fighting a seamless battle, and leveraging each other’s capabilities to respond with decisive force to all North Korean threats. Our envisioned endstate is a Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia at peace and enjoying an ever increasing degree of prosperity. General Sharp’s number one priority is to Be “Prepared to Fight and Win” You will see in the third paragraph of his priority he talks about “ a joint team ready to fight together with a clear understanding of each other’s capabilities and roles.” This gets right to the heart of what we are discussing here today. Interoperability is about fighting together and drawing on our differences to make us stronger together. We spend a significant amount of time and effort developing our jointness and teamwork during peacetime so we can develop the trust needed to win together during war.General Sharp’s number one priority is to Be “Prepared to Fight and Win” You will see in the third paragraph of his priority he talks about “ a joint team ready to fight together with a clear understanding of each other’s capabilities and roles.” This gets right to the heart of what we are discussing here today. Interoperability is about fighting together and drawing on our differences to make us stronger together. We spend a significant amount of time and effort developing our jointness and teamwork during peacetime so we can develop the trust needed to win together during war.

    6. Priority #2: Strengthen the Alliance The ROK U.S. Alliance is one of the most important in the world and is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Because of its significance, the command focuses on ensuring that the Alliance remains strong. One way we fulfill this priority is by better synchronizing U.S. transformation efforts with ROK defense reform. Delaying OPCON transition to late 2015 ensures that we will have the right plans; the right organizations; the right capabilities and systems; the right exercises; and the right force structure and alignment to enable the Alliance to grow ever stronger. The new schedule also ensures that USFK Transformation and ROK Defense Reform stay synchronized and maintain a high degree of readiness. The coordination centers and cells that we are building, resourcing and exercising under OPCON transition strengthen the Alliance by ensuring seamless coordination and execution. Of course, training alongside our ROK counterparts everyday in the spirit of trust and friendship builds the strong relationships that, in the long run, make our Alliance unbeatable. Just as important as our relationships with our colleagues in the ROK Armed Forces are our interactions with the Korean people. Our Good Neighbor Program provides the means by which we reach out and engage with Korean civic leaders, businesses, municipal government, and schools. We work closely with all parts of Korean society to ensure that we understand their concerns as well as identifying opportunities where we can work together. We also work to make sure that our Service-members understand Korean culture and history -- training that continues throughout their tours. General Sharp’s number 2 priority is to Strengthen the Alliance. This priority also speaks to the importance of our relationships and our interactions with the Korean people. This again emphasizes the teamwork aspect of training and operating together. By continuously coordinating, discussing, working and training together, we develop the ability to succeed under stressful situations later.General Sharp’s number 2 priority is to Strengthen the Alliance. This priority also speaks to the importance of our relationships and our interactions with the Korean people. This again emphasizes the teamwork aspect of training and operating together. By continuously coordinating, discussing, working and training together, we develop the ability to succeed under stressful situations later.

    7. Priority #3: Improve Quality of Life for the USFK Community The third priority is to “Improve Quality of life for the USFK Community.” This priority makes it clear to everyone that the U.S. is committed to the alliance and that we want Korea to become the station of choice for U.S. service members. In the course of my career, I’ve served in more than one combined or coalition environment. Many times cultural differences can lead to a lack of trust and cooperation, resulting in a coalition that operates side by side, but not synergistically. Quality of life includes producing a work climate that is positive and productive, and we have that in the US-ROK alliance due to continuous effort by the leadership of both nations. The third priority is to “Improve Quality of life for the USFK Community.” This priority makes it clear to everyone that the U.S. is committed to the alliance and that we want Korea to become the station of choice for U.S. service members. In the course of my career, I’ve served in more than one combined or coalition environment. Many times cultural differences can lead to a lack of trust and cooperation, resulting in a coalition that operates side by side, but not synergistically. Quality of life includes producing a work climate that is positive and productive, and we have that in the US-ROK alliance due to continuous effort by the leadership of both nations.

    8. Challenges Cultural Differences Language Policy $$$ Requirement Definition Multiple Networks DSAWG Process Deploying Forces These are some of the challenges we face today when dealing with the subject of interoperability. I will offer one slide on each of these topics in the slides ahead.These are some of the challenges we face today when dealing with the subject of interoperability. I will offer one slide on each of these topics in the slides ahead.

    9. Cultural Differences “Different cultures and cultural backgrounds between a highly diverse staff base brings with it obstacles, challenges and difficulties. These cross cultural differences then follow on through to high level areas such as management styles, corporate culture, marketing, HR and PR.” … Neil Payne Here is a quote from Mr. Neil Payne, an expert in international expert on cross cultural communications. Every day we live and work in a cross-cultural environment as United States forces stationed in Korea. We work side by side with our hosts the Koreans in almost every office, meeting and decision. There are some challenges presented by the differences in culture and the way we conduct day-to-day business. For example: Korean Society is much more age conscious and status conscious than in the U.S. It is much more common for a junior U.S. officer to inject or offer an opinion in the presence of a superior than it is for a Korean officer. This could cause the U.S. officer to be considered rude or insubordinate to someone from another culture not used to the way we conduct business. In this case, the empowering of subordinates and open solicitation of feedback is welcomed and even encouraged by the U.S. side. It is critical that we take the time to understand each other’s culture so we can more effectively work together to accomplish the mission.Here is a quote from Mr. Neil Payne, an expert in international expert on cross cultural communications. Every day we live and work in a cross-cultural environment as United States forces stationed in Korea. We work side by side with our hosts the Koreans in almost every office, meeting and decision. There are some challenges presented by the differences in culture and the way we conduct day-to-day business. For example: Korean Society is much more age conscious and status conscious than in the U.S. It is much more common for a junior U.S. officer to inject or offer an opinion in the presence of a superior than it is for a Korean officer. This could cause the U.S. officer to be considered rude or insubordinate to someone from another culture not used to the way we conduct business. In this case, the empowering of subordinates and open solicitation of feedback is welcomed and even encouraged by the U.S. side. It is critical that we take the time to understand each other’s culture so we can more effectively work together to accomplish the mission.

    10. Language Need for translation Translation for technical concepts Meetings take longer Different font for all applications Common terms of reference No common standard (message format) Automated translation tools limited Collaboration tools more challenging to use Differences in language can pose an interoperability challenge for communicators. First there is the obvious language barrier and need for experienced translators in every meeting and technical working group we conduct. We have found that just an ordinary translator is not always sufficient. We need translators versed in technical translation to be familiar with technical terms enough to be able to translate concepts such as cross domain solutions or message format protocols. The second category of language challenges deal with the different fonts and characters that exist in each country’s alphabet. We have had to work solutions with our COP data that can convert both western and Asian fonts into a SMTP attachment to exchange with each other’s COP server. We have experimented with automated translation tools but even these are only accurate maybe 75% of the time. In our business we can not accept a 75% success rate when lives could be on the line. In our experience no automated translation tool is ever going to be able to replace a human in the seat, although we are interested in using them to assist in speeding up translation. As you see on the final bullet of this slide- even collaboration tools such as chat or net-meeting type software can pose challenges when dealing with multiple fonts and characters.Differences in language can pose an interoperability challenge for communicators. First there is the obvious language barrier and need for experienced translators in every meeting and technical working group we conduct. We have found that just an ordinary translator is not always sufficient. We need translators versed in technical translation to be familiar with technical terms enough to be able to translate concepts such as cross domain solutions or message format protocols. The second category of language challenges deal with the different fonts and characters that exist in each country’s alphabet. We have had to work solutions with our COP data that can convert both western and Asian fonts into a SMTP attachment to exchange with each other’s COP server. We have experimented with automated translation tools but even these are only accurate maybe 75% of the time. In our business we can not accept a 75% success rate when lives could be on the line. In our experience no automated translation tool is ever going to be able to replace a human in the seat, although we are interested in using them to assist in speeding up translation. As you see on the final bullet of this slide- even collaboration tools such as chat or net-meeting type software can pose challenges when dealing with multiple fonts and characters.

    11. Policy National Polices and Agencies Military Policies Service Component Policies Local Policies Fiscal Policies Security Policies Exponentially more difficult between nations Just on the U. S. side we have to deal with policy and direction from multiple layers of leadership and commands. Adding the complexity of another nation’s policies can make this challenge not only twice as complicated but often exponentially more complicated. For example, when trying to interface the U.S. and Korean networks, we must satisfy the security policies from both nations. The security policies can be as simple as the type of removable media that can be used to store data or as intricate as the approval process for a cross domain solution.Just on the U. S. side we have to deal with policy and direction from multiple layers of leadership and commands. Adding the complexity of another nation’s policies can make this challenge not only twice as complicated but often exponentially more complicated. For example, when trying to interface the U.S. and Korean networks, we must satisfy the security policies from both nations. The security policies can be as simple as the type of removable media that can be used to store data or as intricate as the approval process for a cross domain solution.

    12. $$$ Budget Cycles differ for each country Fiscal Year vs Calendar Year Different currencies Variable exchange rates US POM Cycle 2 years in advance Cost Sharing Agreements needed Many of our interoperability challenges result in costly technical solutions. Since computer systems development can often spread over several years, the fluctuating value of the U.S. dollar can significantly impact the deal that was agreed to previously by both sides. We might have agreed to pay 1 million dollars for a system this year and budgeted for it to happen in the next fiscal year. If the value the dollar slips, next year that 1 million dollars in our budget might actually cost 1.2 million dollars at the time of the purchase. These types of challenges are not often encountered for continental US based military units.Many of our interoperability challenges result in costly technical solutions. Since computer systems development can often spread over several years, the fluctuating value of the U.S. dollar can significantly impact the deal that was agreed to previously by both sides. We might have agreed to pay 1 million dollars for a system this year and budgeted for it to happen in the next fiscal year. If the value the dollar slips, next year that 1 million dollars in our budget might actually cost 1.2 million dollars at the time of the purchase. These types of challenges are not often encountered for continental US based military units.

    13. Defining Operational Requirement IT investments must support an operational requirement In a combined environment, the sponsor of an operational need is not always evident Various Commanders in Korea: United Nations Command (UNC) Combined Forces Command (CFC) Republic of Korea, Joint Chiefs of Staff (ROK JCS) United States Forces Korea (USFK) Service Component Commands Sending States An interoperability challenge we face in a Combined environment is trying to identify the sponsor and customer of an operational need. For example if we as the communications community get a request that war fighters need to talk to naval ships in our area of responsibility, we must determine who is making the request and what the specifics of the requirement entail. We need to identify who the recipient of the end product will be so we can meet their specific needs. And we also have to sort out which government and or which service and command needs to pay the bill and who should provide the encryption key. We all have the same military objectives but these can sometimes be lost in the politics of international finance and negotiations.An interoperability challenge we face in a Combined environment is trying to identify the sponsor and customer of an operational need. For example if we as the communications community get a request that war fighters need to talk to naval ships in our area of responsibility, we must determine who is making the request and what the specifics of the requirement entail. We need to identify who the recipient of the end product will be so we can meet their specific needs. And we also have to sort out which government and or which service and command needs to pay the bill and who should provide the encryption key. We all have the same military objectives but these can sometimes be lost in the politics of international finance and negotiations.

    14. Multiple Networks An operational capability, can potentially be used on a wide variety of networks Each network potentially has its own challenges, policies and approval process USFK Networks in Korea Include: Commercial Internet, Military Unclassified, Secret releasable to Korea, Secret 24 different Designated Approving Authorities We have ongoing initiatives to reduce the number of disparate networks in Korea. We have a mix of different classifications of networks and then service specific flavors of networks just on the US side. By reducing the number of disparate networks it will streamline our ability to interconnect and interoperate with our Korean counterparts. To illustrate the challenge, I’ll describe one problem we are in the process of solving. We have more than one network at the classification level Secret, releasable to Korea. Although the networks are connected, they are administered by separate organizations who do not inherently “trust” each other. Each of the networks has its own set of Sharepoint servers. When an officer from the headquarters emails a link to a document on his sharepoint server to another officer on a different network, the link will only work if that officer has a user id and password on the target system. Although this is not technically difficult, it is an annoyance that our customers do not want to deal with. By combining to a single network at that classification level, we eliminate this interoperability challenge.We have ongoing initiatives to reduce the number of disparate networks in Korea. We have a mix of different classifications of networks and then service specific flavors of networks just on the US side. By reducing the number of disparate networks it will streamline our ability to interconnect and interoperate with our Korean counterparts. To illustrate the challenge, I’ll describe one problem we are in the process of solving. We have more than one network at the classification level Secret, releasable to Korea. Although the networks are connected, they are administered by separate organizations who do not inherently “trust” each other. Each of the networks has its own set of Sharepoint servers. When an officer from the headquarters emails a link to a document on his sharepoint server to another officer on a different network, the link will only work if that officer has a user id and password on the target system. Although this is not technically difficult, it is an annoyance that our customers do not want to deal with. By combining to a single network at that classification level, we eliminate this interoperability challenge.

    15. Whenever we desire to make significant security changes to our networks we need to staff our requests through the Defense Information Assurance Working Group in Washington D.C. This process can take up to 6 months or a year to receive the proper approval and validation. Many of our interoperability projects that we work between our nations have to go through this process and it can be a significant challenge to get the request with enough lead time to work through this process.Whenever we desire to make significant security changes to our networks we need to staff our requests through the Defense Information Assurance Working Group in Washington D.C. This process can take up to 6 months or a year to receive the proper approval and validation. Many of our interoperability projects that we work between our nations have to go through this process and it can be a significant challenge to get the request with enough lead time to work through this process.

    16. Deploying Forces The forces that work together daily have learned to work together using various tools and systems to accomplish the mission. In time of increased responsibility additional sending states and reinforcements will need to be added in to the existing architecture. We have very good interoperability and cooperation with our Republic of Korea counterparts that we have developed over 60 years of working together. Even though our interoperability is quite robust, we must plan for the contingencies of bringing additional U.S. forces in times of increased responsibilities or even other countries through our United Nations Command responsibilities. Each of these countries or additional units bring with them their own set of interoperability challenges.We have very good interoperability and cooperation with our Republic of Korea counterparts that we have developed over 60 years of working together. Even though our interoperability is quite robust, we must plan for the contingencies of bringing additional U.S. forces in times of increased responsibilities or even other countries through our United Nations Command responsibilities. Each of these countries or additional units bring with them their own set of interoperability challenges.

    17. Solutions Information Sharing Collaboration Tools Leveraging COTS Integrated COP Program Initiation In the previous 15 or so slides I have shown you some of the interoperability challenges we face as the United States Forces in Korea. The next 5 slides will briefly explain some of the solutions we have found to help overcome the interoperability challenges.In the previous 15 or so slides I have shown you some of the interoperability challenges we face as the United States Forces in Korea. The next 5 slides will briefly explain some of the solutions we have found to help overcome the interoperability challenges.

    18. Information Sharing Advances in technology allow greater Speed and Accuracy of information exchange Timely information on the battlefield enables commanders to make critical and informed decisions Advanced sensors and emerging technologies will enable future commanders even greater flexibility The greater speed and accuracy of information provided by technology today allows us to be a more effective military fighting force. We use Satellites, Radars, Fiber Optic and Wireless Technologies to get information to our combat forces. As governments develop new technology and solutions we must develop them with interoperability in mind. By enabling our systems to interoperate with each other, we can exponentially expand our combined capabilities.The greater speed and accuracy of information provided by technology today allows us to be a more effective military fighting force. We use Satellites, Radars, Fiber Optic and Wireless Technologies to get information to our combat forces. As governments develop new technology and solutions we must develop them with interoperability in mind. By enabling our systems to interoperate with each other, we can exponentially expand our combined capabilities.

    19. Collaboration Tools Various collaboration tools are used in command posts today The Army Battle Command Systems suite is a great example of 12 integrated systems Some specific collaboration tools such as ‘Click to Meet’ or ‘Defense Connect Online’ allow users to see and translate text, often more efficiently than voice communications We have found that collaboration tools have greatly enhanced our interoperability and ability to communicate with each other. The ability to have chat rooms and text boxes with information can greatly enhance VTCs and meetings. Sometimes even the translators have an easier time interpreting the written text in a chat window more so than the spoken words at a briefing where slang or dialect can sometimes confuse a non-native speaker. Chat tools are also easy to log and keep on file so interested parties can go back and review for clarification. We have found that collaboration tools have greatly enhanced our interoperability and ability to communicate with each other. The ability to have chat rooms and text boxes with information can greatly enhance VTCs and meetings. Sometimes even the translators have an easier time interpreting the written text in a chat window more so than the spoken words at a briefing where slang or dialect can sometimes confuse a non-native speaker. Chat tools are also easy to log and keep on file so interested parties can go back and review for clarification.

    20. Leveraging COTS Leveraging Commercial ‘off the shelf’ technology provides an increased chance of achieving interoperability between nations We have found that if in-house developers develop a product or tool to use on our systems, we are often very limited in changes that can be made or code that can be rewritten for the sake of interoperability. Often the coders who originally designed a solution might have changed jobs or assignments along with their knowledge of how the program was designed. We have found that we are much better off if both of the international partners use the same commercial off-the-shelf solution then we are guaranteed interoperability of those programs from the beginning. As a commercial developer delivers updates and upgrades both sides should receive them simultaneously and should remain on the current version and fully interoperable. We have found that if in-house developers develop a product or tool to use on our systems, we are often very limited in changes that can be made or code that can be rewritten for the sake of interoperability. Often the coders who originally designed a solution might have changed jobs or assignments along with their knowledge of how the program was designed. We have found that we are much better off if both of the international partners use the same commercial off-the-shelf solution then we are guaranteed interoperability of those programs from the beginning. As a commercial developer delivers updates and upgrades both sides should receive them simultaneously and should remain on the current version and fully interoperable.

    21. Integrated COP An integrated Common Operating Picture (COP) has been critical to interoperability success in the Korean Theater of Operations. A COP fosters better situational awareness and communication Timely and accurate COP information is critical for a commander to make decisions Many of our efforts in the recent year have gone towards improving our Common Operating Picture interoperability. It is essential that during armistice, an exercise, or even full scale conflict - the leaders get the same view of the battle or situation in any command post they enter. It shouldn’t matter if it is a Korean command Post in Seoul or the U.S. Second Infantry Division Tactical Operations Center, the picture and information available should be the same. There are many different types of data that must be captured and fed to the COP. These data are input from both countries and include Planes, Ships and Ground forces exact location and disposition. The synchronization of all of this data is at the heart of our interoperability.Many of our efforts in the recent year have gone towards improving our Common Operating Picture interoperability. It is essential that during armistice, an exercise, or even full scale conflict - the leaders get the same view of the battle or situation in any command post they enter. It shouldn’t matter if it is a Korean command Post in Seoul or the U.S. Second Infantry Division Tactical Operations Center, the picture and information available should be the same. There are many different types of data that must be captured and fed to the COP. These data are input from both countries and include Planes, Ships and Ground forces exact location and disposition. The synchronization of all of this data is at the heart of our interoperability.

    22. Program Initiation Any nation that develops a technological solution for the military should design it with interoperability and combined/coalition operations in mind from the very beginning We have encountered several instances where U.S. forces receive cutting edge technology but we are told the new technology is not approved for release to our Republic of Korea counterparts. It then becomes a lengthy process to get the appropriate release permission from Foreign Disclosure Officers, Staff Judge Advocate or Program Management Offices in the United States. We have encountered several instances where U.S. forces receive cutting edge technology but we are told the new technology is not approved for release to our Republic of Korea counterparts. It then becomes a lengthy process to get the appropriate release permission from Foreign Disclosure Officers, Staff Judge Advocate or Program Management Offices in the United States.

    23. Future System Considerations Plan with plenty of lead-time Security Approvals can take 6-12 months Leveraging Web-enabled applications can streamline the security approval process Web applications can reduce the costs of client server methods of synchronization As we design future communications systems and networks that we will use to interoperate we have learned some valuable lessons. Most importantly we have learned that the use of emerging web-based applications can alleviate the need to run a server with a client application installed on every user’s machine. With web based applications we can run only the server and use browser capabilities to provide the information to the users. These technologies can reduce the number of applications we need to buy and install on thousands of user workstations. In addition to the cost savings, the use of web based applications can streamline the security approval process because of less ports that have to be opened in the firewalls and controlled interfaces.As we design future communications systems and networks that we will use to interoperate we have learned some valuable lessons. Most importantly we have learned that the use of emerging web-based applications can alleviate the need to run a server with a client application installed on every user’s machine. With web based applications we can run only the server and use browser capabilities to provide the information to the users. These technologies can reduce the number of applications we need to buy and install on thousands of user workstations. In addition to the cost savings, the use of web based applications can streamline the security approval process because of less ports that have to be opened in the firewalls and controlled interfaces.

    24. Summary Interoperability Challenges must not impede progress Through close negotiation and cooperation we will accomplish our mission Overcoming interoperability challenges is part of our daily life in the United States Forces Korea J6. Through close negotiation and cooperation we will accomplish our mission and be able to meet our Commander’s priorities. Thank you for your undivided attention that you have given me today. I will now attempt to field any questions you might have for me.Overcoming interoperability challenges is part of our daily life in the United States Forces Korea J6. Through close negotiation and cooperation we will accomplish our mission and be able to meet our Commander’s priorities. Thank you for your undivided attention that you have given me today. I will now attempt to field any questions you might have for me.

    25. Questions ? Pending your questions this concludes this concludes the C4I interoperability briefing.Pending your questions this concludes this concludes the C4I interoperability briefing.

More Related