GDMS–Canada: Bringing Integrated Comms to Operation REASSURANCE

BY JAMES CARELESS

As Russia’s expansionist aggression continues, so does the threat to European security and sovereignty. Hence the deployment of the Canadian Army in Latvia: They are part of NATO’s multi-nation Operation REASSURANCE, through which the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contribute to NATO deterrence and defence measures.

            As a partner to the CAF, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada (GDMS–Canada) is playing its part to enhance and improve the information and communications systems and infrastructure that the Canadian Army relies upon. This is why General Dynamics has had two recent visits to Latvia to support the Canadian Department of National Defence’s Directorate of Land Command Systems Program Management (DLCSPM) with the rapid deployment of C5ISR capability, featuring the company’s DIGITALspine.     

WHAT IS DIGITALspine?

According to General Dynamics, GDMS–Canada’s DIGITALspine is an integrated tactical network that brings together previously siloed/separated technologies — video, chat, radios, sensors, and radars — into one seamless ecosystem. In doing so, DIGITALspine brings together all of these disparate communications systems into a single integrated network, one where information and direction can be shared interactively with everyone from the soldier on the ground to the Army’s headquarters (HQ) to the mission network where it facilitates communication with NATO and allies. With an open architecture, it provides flexibility for the Canadian Army to plug and play choosing what solutions they need from across industry to effectively meet their operational needs.

            “We’ve been sending multifaceted teams over to Latvia to help the Army to integrate and optimize use of their LC5ISR system,” Joe Milligan, Field Support Manager, GDMS–Canada told CDR. “For instance, our Mission Specialists, many of whom are veterans, bring valuable military knowledge to the operational side, and we augment that knowledge with our engineers and technologists.”

            Providing this kind of knowledgeable in-theatre support is a boon to the deployed brigade’s own technicians, who already have their hands full managing their day-to-day operational requirements.

            General Dynamics’ positive contribution has been acknowledged by Major Sean Minckler, CO(a)/G6, 5 CMBG Headquarters and Signals Squadron. “Having the Field Service Representatives (FSRs) within our unit lines has not only increased 5 CMBG’s collective knowledge on new systems acquired by the Canadian Army but they have had a direct link to our operational effectiveness,” he said. “Not only do the FSRs deploy with units of 5 CMBG but they can form a ‘strike team’ to rapidly assist with technical issues in urgent circumstances. In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, the FSR teams provide a critical capability and are important enablers to 5 CMBG.”

GDMS-Canada: A GAME CHANGER

At a time when brigades are transitioning from a traditional centralized headquarters model to a dispersed headquarters system, the Army is applying lessons from modern conflict where centralized command posts are increasingly vulnerable targets. This is why dispersing command posts over multiple locations improves survivability and resiliency, which is exactly the advantage the Army is hoping to attain.

            This is where DIGITALspine comes to the fore. With a common network approach, it maintains the online connectivity of all assets no matter where the physical components happen to be located. It also ends the traditional ‘silos’ in which various military communications systems tend to be housed within, with interconnection and interoperability between these systems being limited at best, and nonexistent at worst.

                        Worth knowing: Because it is technology-agnostic, this integrated tactical network enables secure connectivity with joint, interagency, multinational, and public partners. That’s a real operational advantage given the number of nations that belong to NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, for which Canada is the lead, as well as the Framework nation.

            Clearly, DIGITALspine is helping the Canadian Army bring their fielded communications into the 21st century. And it is anticipated the CAF will make full deployment of this capability into the whole of the Canadian Army in the near future given how critical it is to our nation’s defence capabilities.

SUPPORT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE at GDMS-Canada

             A case in point: “Our Mission Specialists understand the system’s capabilities, as well as the operational context for the Army,” Milligan told CDR. “They know how to engage with the soldiers and say, ‘Here’s the capability. Here’s how it’s a tactical advantage to you and here’s how you can use it.’ And then we bring in the engineers and technologists to help with the Army’s build team. They offer advice on how to configure and deploy the technology. Then the Army adds their Standard Operating Procedures and terms of reference on top of that. ”

            General Dynamics’ team helps Army personnel troubleshoot in real-time. “We will ask them questions like, ‘Did you think about looking here? Did you maybe try this troubleshooting technique and help them get it back online.’” Milligan said. “In this way, the Army develops the expertise that they will need when our team returns to Canada.”

            The bottom line: The Canadian Army is performing an important duty through Op REASSURANCE and General Dynamics is supporting the mission. Deploying and integrating DIGITALspine is a significant contribution to their efforts to support NATO in preserving Europe’s safety and sovereignty.

James Careless is CDR’s Ottawa Bureau Chief