deployment of the PLA Navy ships in the - Information Resource ...

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finding the balance between efficiency, security and
influence in networked combined operations.
Efficient networks require the free exchange of
information on them. Moving information from one
independent network to another is like the ponderous
movement of a train from one rail gauge to another.
The price for such efficiency, however, is not just
technical cooperation in developing common data
models and technical standards, but also deep
political trust between co-operating partners. National
security, however, is about protecting vulnerable
resources. Information release policies are specifically
designed to be inefficient in order to prevent
inadvertent exchange. High levels of network
efficiency will require a great deal of political and
operational trust amongst partners. Similar levels of
co-operation are not found even in NATO’s alliance
networks .
Common Interoperability Challenges
Language. Language difference across the
IOR nations is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
Without a common language, naval forces cannot
co-operate effectively. Two units with a common
mission but without common language will have to
divide the tasks between them in a way that makes
interaction unnecessary. They must then hope that
nothing and nobody will interfere with the line of
division. However, no military operation can be safely
built on such a premise. Any competent military
opponent will seek these divisions of responsibility and
exploit them. Therefore it would desirable for the IOR
navies to master the English language. The better the
knowledge of English by the forces involved the better
the basis for co-operation. The deeper the key staff
officers know this common language and the more
familiar they are with the different accents, nuances
and dialects, the less scope for misunderstanding.
Procedures and Basic Formats. Common
knowledge of language only creates the most basic
foundation for co-operation. In itself, however, it does
not remove the likelihood of misunderstanding,
friction, and accidents. In order to increase the
probability of co-operation being smooth, all involved
sides will have to accept, absorb, and use, a common,
standardised terminology. This includes standardised
order and reporting formats, communications
procedures and forms, as well as similarities in staff
structures and working and planning formats. The
cooperating parties must also have an agreed normal
division of responsibilities and procedures in situations
that will occur in the field during the operation: e.g.
passing of each other's lines during underway
replenishment. However, the silver lining is that most
of the countries have a standard NATO probe and the
procedures for fuelling.
Technological Interface. Common
language and routine in using common procedures
have to be backed-up by compatible technology. The
key element in making the common language and
procedures effective is to have compatible
communications equipment (and encryption
systems) at the command levels where timely
information must be available and direct co-ordination
is essential. If combined operations are likely to be
interwoven to a very high extent efficiency will also
depend on the compatibility of the equipment and
systems. At the low level, one could mention common
standardised fittings on equipment and common
terminology for spares. At the medium level, have
common types of fuel and ammunition. At the high
end of interoperability forces are using very much the
same types of key equipment allowing use of the
same spare parts and maintenance organisations.
The equipment and the support of the larger
participating states have dominated all efficient
international forces involved in multinational
operations throughout history and is likely be the case
in future combined operations of some duration and
intensity. The higher the level of initial standardisation
or at least compatibility between the naval assets, the
higher the degree of interoperability. IOR navies must
strive to obtain it.
Cultures. Each nation possesses a unique
identity, based on language, values, cultural identity,
and social outlook. Navies are very much influenced
by their national military experience and history, as
well as the educational system, norms, social and
political system, etc. of the society, the part of which it
is. Differences between navies resulting from the
diverse national background can influence
interoperability to a very high degree. Even minor
factors can have considerable impact. Different
cultures mean that naval forces vary in the way they
do even the simplest things. They differ in the will to
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