ARRC Journal 2018 | Page 45

READY FOR TODAY – EVOLVING FOR TOMORROW Groups which are subordinate to the FMN Management Group define the capability required and specify what affiliates should acquire (Capability Definition 2 ). The affiliates then acquire and integrate the solution (Capability Implementation) and finally the capabilities are assured (Capability Delivery 3 ). The Multinational CIS Security Management Authority (MCSMA) ensures that security considerations are taken into account throughout the process. The Mission Network instance. An FMN compliant network instance comprises Communications and Information systems, management, processes and procedures created for an operation, training event or interoperability verification activity. The processes, procedures and standards to be followed are those agreed by the FMN Management Group and endorsed by the Military Committee. The materiel (networks, services and supporting infrastructures) are provided by participating nations. Participating affiliates 4 may participate in an FMN Mission Network instance in 1 of 3 ways depending upon their level of ambition: a.  Mission Network Element (MNE). The MNE is capable of standing alone at the heart of any FMN network deployment. The MNE is capable of providing all Mission essential services not only to support all national requirements but also those of other nations. On a large deployment, several MNEs may be networked together on a peer to peer basis for resilience and redundancy. c.  The Hosted User. The hosted user is a participant unable to provide any infrastructure and services for self- provisioning. In this case services will be drawn from either an MNE or an MNX. This participant will typically be embedded in an MNE or an MNX with appropriate bi-lateral agreements Although the concept of FMN is for networks to be standalone, nations providing MNEs or MNXs can connect back into national or NATO networks through gateways. b.  Mission Network Extension (MNX). The MNX may be capable of providing some services for self-provisioning but will rely on an MNE for access to all Mission Essential services. The degree of reliance will be dependent on the type of operation and the capabilities available to the affiliate. A conceptual overview of an FMN construct 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rules, procedures, policies and standards. Operational Coordination Working Group (OCWG) and Capability Planning Working Group (CPWG). Change Implementation Coordination Working Group (CICWG) and Coalition Interoperability Assurance and Validation Working Group (CIAV WG). The are currently 34 affiliate nations including both NATO and non-NATO members. NRF technical confirmation exercise The US and Italian Divisions participated from the INNSWORTH site. ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS 45