As part of their NATO Response Force (NRF) 2015 commitment, 1 (German/Netherlands) Corps (1GNC) implemented a transformation platform for the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) structure of their headquarters in Münster, Germany. The main aim was to fully implement NATO’s network solutions, hardware and services to make 1GNC fully interoperable with NATO Command Structure and within NATO Force Structure. CGI, in partnership with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), successfully implemented a communication and collaboration platform.

The challenge

Since 2002, the headquarters of 1GNC in Münster, Germany, has been one of NATO’s High Readiness Forces (Land) Headquarters. This means it must be ready to direct a military mission abroad after a preparation time of 20 to 30 days. It also must be able to conduct high-intensity operations, crisis management and peace support operations, within or outside of NATO’s territory.

In preparation for the NRF stand-by period in 2015, 1GNC is following the “fight as you work” approach. To support their mission, they needed a Command and Control Collaboration Platform that would be fully interoperable with other NATO Commands and Structures. In 2013, NCIA, NATO’s principal Communications and Information Systems organization, together with industry partners CGI, iOra and AvePoint, were commissioned to implement this mission-critical communication and collaboration platform.

The solution

The new Command and Control Collaboration Portal (C2CP) system supports NATO’s “Smart Defence” approach, and is owned and operated by NATO and therefore interoperable in all NATO structures.

The system reuses proven NATO services based on Microsoft SharePoint Information Management (IM) tools with a smart, robust and modular design to provide high system reliability and availability. A single operator is responsible for maintenance, which was a key requirement for all system design decisions.

The results

After the successful implementation of Microsoft SharePoint IM tools in Münster, the tools were tested with the first batch of NATO Functional Area Sub Services (FASs) during 1GNC’s certification exercise Noble Ledger in Wildflecken, Germany in September 2014. The exercise Noble Ledger 2014 is an NRF 2015 Land Component Command Exercise designed to integrate with and confirm a formation’s interoperability, and also validate the readiness and capabilities of the NRF 2015 nominated forces by exercising NRF missions and tasks. Further aims are to enhance NRF CC HQ joint collaboration and support the NRF 2015 certification plan.

About 6,500 soldiers from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and the United States participated in the exercise Noble Ledger. At the exercise, 1GNC was evaluated as “Excellent” and “Combat Ready.”

This is the first implementation of NATO First Solution under the Multi-Year Program with 1GNC, and paves the way for continued collaboration with the other NATO Rapid Deployable Corps. 1GNC will be the leading command for the “Spearhead Force” as part of their NRF 2015 commitment. CGI continues its commitment and support for this strategic program.

Key benefits

  • Enables instant, proven and easy access to information and knowledge for faster decision-making
  • Improves the way the user community executes their tasks, roles and responsibilities by using common NATO applications, e.g. Document Handling System (DHS) and Tasker Tracker Enterprise (TTE)
  • Frees up limited network resources by enabling dramatic reduction in the amount of data needing to be transferred
  • Improves survivability in the field due to redundant set of information
  • Provides an interoperable collaboration platform
  • Increases reuse of existing national investments
  • Enables efficient collaboration
  • Supports 1 GNC’s “fight as you work” approach

Working with CGI

Besides support for NRF certification exercise Noble Ledger 2014, CGI supports 1GNC in several projects, including:

  • Technical support for the installation and configuration of the hardware and software platform (Windows products, virtualization wherever possible)
  • Installation and configuration of DHS (Document Handling System), AMN EP (Afghan Mission Network Enterprise Portal), TTE (Tasker Tracker Enterprise) and FAST ESP 5.3 Search Engine
  • Implementation of an end-to-end SharePoint replication with iOra GeoReplicator 2014 to ensure continuous information availability
  • Implementation of DocAve 5 product suite to efficiently administrate, optimize and protect the SharePoint Information Management tools
  • User, functional and system administrator training to operate and maintain the implemented systems

“CGI understood the importance of the project and performed exceptionally well. Together, we achieved a major milestone at the 2014 Exercise Noble Ledger where we are assessed as combat ready. This achievement is a true example of collaboration and innovation.”
Lieutenant General Volker Halbauer, Commander HQ 1 (German/Netherlands) Corps