ARRC JOURNAL
FEDERATED MISSION NETWORKING( FMN)
Lt Col Martin Bever( GBR-A)
The requirement for a Single Information sharing domain( a Federated Network) between coalition partners was identified during NATO’ s deployment to Afghanistan( in 2010). This led to the creation of the Afghan Mission Network( AMN) which provided greater Situational Awareness to Commanders and greatly improved decision making. Such was the positive impact of AMN that Commander ISAF recommended that this be used as the model for all future NATO coalition operations. On 21 November 2012, the NATO Military Committee signed up to the“ Future Mission Network Concept” as the basis for the development of the NATO Federated Mission Networking Implementation Plan( NFIP) which was agreed in January 2015. This article will describe the purpose of FMN, its governance and application and how nations can participate.
Global Purpose of FMN
The purpose of FMN is to support Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance( C4ISR) and decision-making on operations by enabling the rapid deployment of mission networks. These networks will be simpler and more robust. A Common Service Management approach will facilitate their day to day operation and cross provisioning of services will reduce costs and improve interoperability between nations. FMN recognises that nations will procure their C4ISR equipment from different industrial suppliers but requires that they are built to common standards to facilitate interoperability.
FMN Objectives
The specific objectives of FMN are as follows:
• Seamless human-to-human communication across the force.
• A single view of the battlespace across the Mission Network.
• Timely provision of a Mission Network.
• Provision of consistent, secure, accurate and reliable mission data.
• Provision of Community of Interest( COI) capabilities that align with the mission requirement.
• Well-trained staff that can support an effective decision cycle and take full advantage of the systems and services provided.
• Maximum reuse of existing processes, standards, structures and capabilities.
The Elements of FMN
FMN Governance and Management. The Military Committee supported by the NATO C3 Board sit at the head of the FMN governance structure. The Military Committee set objectives, define the framework and environment 1, ensure the responsible use of resources and manage risk.
The FMN Management Group then take the direction given by the Military Committee and translate it into strategy and plans which are in turn translated into action by FMN affiliate nations. This is delivered through a series of subordinate Working groups which all affiliate members are invited to attend. In turn the Management Group reports back to the Military Committee on progress which is evaluated and expectations adjusted.
The FMN framework. At the heart of FMN is the FMN framework. The Working
The FMN governance and management framework is at the heart of FMN delivery
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