Command and Control

Meitta Groeneveld, commanding officer of the NATO C2 Centre of Excellence, shares insights from the recent conference in The Hague. The discussion traverses the complexities of multi-domain operations and the critical need for synchronization between military and civilian actions. Groeneveld emphasizes the importance of reevaluating command and control systems in light of lessons learned from Ukraine. The podcast also highlights the significance of trust and collaborative innovation in adapting military strategies to evolving threats.

Guest William Scott Jackson, a Professor at Oxford University and a leading expert in leadership and succession management, shares fascinating insights on handling poor leadership in the military. He discusses how not all bad bosses are toxic, emphasizing the need for effective succession planning and decision-making strategies. Jackson explores the importance of thinking time, differentiated capability theory, and the Blue Ocean Strategy as solutions for leadership challenges. He also links workplace happiness to performance, suggesting that a supportive environment is crucial for success.

Sean Welch, a seasoned US Marine with rich combat experience and expertise in military strategy, dives deep into the concept of 'coupling' in military operations. He contrasts traditional command philosophies with modern demands, emphasizing the balance between control and creative initiative. Welch also discusses the challenges of decision-making in a tech-driven military landscape, advocating for human intuition amidst data overload. He critiques rigid command structures and highlights the importance of adapting strategies to effectively engage with adversarial capabilities in complex scenarios like Ukraine.

Imagine sitting on a battlefield and trying to figure out what is happening with only your ears to guide you; your guidance is based on orders written weeks or months ago, and the last time you got an update of where your own forces where was a day old (at best). That, in essence, is submarine warfare. There is no constant information flow for situational awareness and communication (of any kind) endangers your existence; so submarine commanders are required to make decisions based on a series of assumptions about a myriad of variables and use their experience, judgement, advice from their team, and a deep understanding of their adversary. Building people who can do this – so different to most other warfare experiences – requires a special process: The Perisher. Peter talks to Phil Titterton about command and control of submarines, his experiences in the Royal Navy’s submarine service, and about waterspace management (submarine control measures). Now you can open your eyes.

Former NATO Sec Gen Jaap de Hoop Scheffer talks about what it takes to make effective command relationships work at the highest level of Pol/Mil C2: the tensions between domestic agendas and international obligations, decision-making in NATO, and how to achieve coherence and agreement in matters of war. The conclusion, perhaps unsurprisingly, is that the level of co-operation between politicians and their military counterparts is not something that can be scripted or forced: it depends more on personalities, behaviours, and shared interests than on orders and formal hierarchies. Reflecting on successes and failures, Jaap makes for compelling listening.

Evolution of C2 systems, moving towards data integration for greater efficiency. Challenges in military system integration, AI development, and quality database importance. Complexity of C2 systems in multi-domain environments and US Marine Corps' efforts to enhance C2 systems.

Vice Admiral Martin Connell discusses unique aspects of naval C2, emphasizing cooperation over authoritarianism in command structures. The importance of data utilization and interoperability in multinational naval operations within NATO is highlighted, along with the challenges of achieving unity in joint military operations.

Explore the evolving traits that define effective military leaders beyond the myth of a 'born leader.' Discover the concept of making the 'least worst decision' under stress, and how unique military contexts shape decision-making processes. Delve into the contrasting demands of leadership in wartime versus peacetime, highlighting the value of collaboration. Learn about dual agency theory and the impact of cultural dynamics on leadership. Finally, uncover practical strategies to enhance decision-making skills across all military ranks.

Many medium powers have been struggling to keep pace with the US military as it reimagines how it will undertake command and control over the coming decade. For those in Canada the challenge is extremely pertinent: shared coastlines, integrated C2 at NORAD, conjoined airspace and territorial seas, a long and unfenced land border, and the block between the US homeland and Russian forces in the Arctic. Canada also faces pressing concerns in trying to balance resources between the challenges being faced to their West as well as to their East and North. Deputy Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, Major General Darcy Molstad talks to Peter about the various challenges, tensions and frictions, and how Canada has been adapting. Underneath all of the strategic discussion lies an enduring truth about what commanders face in the future, and what will be required of them: delegation to the point of discomfort.

Former chief of the Swedish Army, Major General Karl Engelbrekston, discusses commanding in extreme Arctic conditions, emphasizing delegation, trust, and empowerment. The podcast explores challenges faced in -42 degrees, complexities of international collaboration, and the importance of strategic leadership in military operations.