Functional Modeling of Agile Command and Control Functional Modeling of Agile Command and Control

A critical element to successful command and control (C 2) is developing and updating an accurate and lucid model of the interdependencies between functional units, e.g., multiple platoons of artillery and tanks. Two of the challenges to this understanding are (1) the adoption of a detailed description of interdependency and the associated understanding of interdependent functions (Brehmer, 2007) and (2) the application of that description to both own and opponent forces' opportunities and vulnerabilities to provide for agility (Alberts, 2007). This paper documents a straightforward approach to modeling functional interdependency that addresses these challenges. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM; Hollnagel, 2004) is shown to describe the C 2 functions of the DOODA loop (Brehmer, 2007) and the tactical and operational functions of military activity. FRAM models are applied to own and opponent forces in a computer‐based dynamic war‐game (DKE) to reveal and characterize both agile and unsuccessful C 2 practice. 1 PhD student (Cognitive Systems), fulltime. 2 BSc/MSc student (Cognitive Science), fulltime. 3 PhD (Management). Contribution less than 50% according to student paper eligibility criteria. Abstract A critical element to successful command and control (C 2) is developing and updating an accurate and lucid model of the interdependencies between functional units, e.g., multiple platoons of artillery and tanks. Two of the challenges to this understanding are (1) the adoption of a detailed description of interdependency and the associated understanding of interdependent functions (Brehmer, 2007) and (2) the application of that description to both own and opponent forces' opportunities and vulnerabilities to provide for agility (Alberts, 2007). This paper documents an approach to modeling functional interdependency that addresses these challenges. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM; Hollnagel, 2004) is shown to describe the C 2 functions of the DOODA loop (Brehmer, 2007) and the tactical and operational functions of military activity. FRAM models are applied to own and opponent forces in a computer‐based dynamic war‐game (DKE) to reveal and characterize both agile and unsuccessful C 2 practice. Introduction Command and control is in a state of change. Both civilian emergency managers and military commanders seek to implement agile network‐based organizations. The drive for command and control agility stems from coordination problems in complex environments that cannot be solved by traditional hierarchic command structures. For example, civilian (emergency management) agencies want to improve inter‐agency coordination (Smith & Dowell, 2000) and the military wants to overcome problems with agility, combat power and …