Command, Control, and Communications Interoperability Between the Australian and United States Armies

This thesis examines command, control, and communications (C3) interoperability between Australian and United States armies. The basis for interoperability between the two nations is reviewed, together with the current level of C3 interoperability as evidenced through recent combined activities. The fora that exist to address C3 interoperability rely on the efforts of key staff to progress interoperability issues which are often given low priority in acquisition and by commanders. Combined command and control issues are relatively well understood and should not provide a substantial impediment to combined operations. However, there is relatively little exercise of communications to which would support any future combined United States/Australian ground forces. Greater effort is required to determine the level of C3 interoperability, reflecting its importance. Communications exercises, the continued exchange of personnel and greater emphasis on C3 interoperability fora are required. Recent agreements on interoperability architecture provide a framework for interoperability, and the increased utilization of common technologies by the United States and Australia promise better interoperability. However, the promise of improvement will only be met if the two armies, particularly the Australian Army, ensure C3 interoperability is given a higher priority.