The increasing complexity of military command and control systems (C2-systems) requires a robust framework for integrating emerging technologies effectively. This article is part of a research project employing Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) with the primary objective of developing a conceptual framework, including models and methods, designed to assist designers and military commanders in assessing and understanding C2-systems from a socio-technical perspective. Additionally, the research aims to provide guidance on analyzing how individual sub-systems in a C2-system influence the entire system. In previous publications, the authors have explored the challenges associated with the integration of emerging technologies into C2-systems, and have also outlined an initial iteration of a concepts model and a goal model. This article addresses the refinement and stakeholder validation of these models, and outlines an in-depth exploration of the decomposition process from high-level goals to specific sub-goals and requirements. Following the DSRM, the authors have engaged stakeholders from the military, research and acquisition domains in a series of workshops. These were designed to extract feedback and insights, ensuring that the models are both accurate and relevant. Data elicited during these sessions were analyzed to validate the coherence of the overall structure as well as the semantic quality of proposed models. The findings indicate that combining goal models with a concepts model, enhances the understanding of, and the requirements on, C2-systems. Moreover, the validation through stakeholder engagement not only refines the goal and concepts model but also fosters a shared understanding among stakeholders regarding the objectives and challenges associated with integration of emerging technologies. The results presented in this article provide actionable insights for practitioners seeking to understand and improve military C2-systems. The results also highlight the importance of both conceptual and goal-oriented frameworks in guiding the understanding and integration of emerging technologies, ultimately contributing to more effective C2-systems.

The design of future military C2-systems is increasingly influenced by emerging technologies such as AI and autonomous platforms. These systems must operate across domains, evolve rapidly, and remain coherent with operational doctrine and organizational processes. To manage this, architecture frameworks like the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF) are widely used. NAF supports modeling coherence and ensures traceability from capability needs to system implementations. However, it lacks methodological guidance. To address this gap, we introduce an extension to NAF, building on the principles of Situational Method Engineering (SME). Our proposal includes reusable method components. Specifically, it includes a MAP-based Navigation Guidance that structures design intentions and strategies in alignment with stakeholder needs, and two method chunks, supporting core design activities. One method chunk supports designers to assess the relevance of integrating emerging technologies into existing C2- systems. The other method chunk enables exploration of how new technologies perform across operationally relevant and underspecified scenarios. Both chunks are grounded in previously validated stakeholder goals and detailed design requirements, ensuring alignment with military capability needs. Our approach complements NAF by providing methodological guidance for navigating integration decisions. This initial proposal shows how method chunks can enhance design adaptability and address socio-technical concerns such as stakeholder alignment and doctrinal coherence. While only two method chunks have been constructed

so far, the results demonstrate the potential of a modular, goal-aligned method repository to guide C2-system development. In future research, we focus on expanding the method component repository and evaluating the framework in a real-world setting.

In military operations, the integration of emerging technologies into Command- and Control systems (C2-systems) presents anurgent issue. The introduction of potentially disruptive technologies such as AI, machine learning, and unmanned systems has thepotential to significantly enhance operational efficiency. However, such technologies come with ethical dilemmas and challengesconcerning their integration into C2-capability containing legacy doctrinal and organizational components. This paper is part of aresearch project following the Design Science research (DSR) process. The main goal of the research project is to develop aconceptual framework, with models and methods, that can help designers and commanders in assessing and understanding C2-systems from a socio-technical perspective. It also aims to provide insights into how individual subsystems influence the SoS as awhole. In previous articles, the authors have discussed the challenges associated with integrating new technology into military C2-systems. This paper further elaborates on findings indicating the need to shift focus from optimizing individual components orsubsystemsto considering the entire, large, and complex system (aka System of Systems, SoS). This shift highlights a comprehensiveand holistic approach which is crucial for ensuring that C2-systems are effective, precise, and adaptable to changing conditions andrequirements. However, currently there is a gap in existing research and methodologies that can explain and predict the dynamicsbetween information systems, methods, processes, and organizational development in a SoS. To bridge this gap, it is necessary toadjust the existing frameworks for capability development to adopt a broader, more adaptable, and exhaustive scope. Additionally,a socio-technical focus in system development would facilitate a deeper understanding of the interdependencies betweenorganization, processes, and technical system evolution. Previous surveys, conducted as interviews of stakeholders, identified arefined perception of the challenges encountered within specified domains, such as, operational and development. Thestakeholders' needs were analyzed and modeled as goals for the envisioned framework. The stakeholders communicated how anadjusted framework of methods should function to tackle the challenges with the emerging technologies. By employing DSR andEnterprise Modeling, this paper proposes (i) a concepts model that outlines the principles and the overarching construction of a C2-system. This concepts model provides the foundations to goal modeling ensuring coherence and interoperability among differentmodels. We also propose (ii) a goal model for C2-systems representing the objectives for what the envisioned framework needs toaccomplish. The study results indicate that the framework is to be useful in systematically identifying and aligning the goals of anartifact with the overarching objectives, i.e., for designing military C2-systems and understanding the integration of thetechnologies. This research project contributes to ongoing research on military innovation, offering insights into the systemicchallenges and opportunities that new technologies present within the complex ecosystem of military operations.

In the context of capability development and to respond to the influence of new technology, a conceptual framework to support the integration of new technology in military command and control systems (C2-systems) is being developed. It focuses on the need to support multi-domain operations (MDO), which requires speed, flexibility, and precision. This paper presents a study of stakeholder needs and goal analysis for future C2-systems. The work is part of a Design Science Research project aiming to design a conceptual framework, with models and methods, that will help designers to evaluate and better understand the potential of a C2 System of Systems (SoS). The current state of the project is that of problem explication with preliminary findings suggesting the categorization of the core issues into three themes. These are (1) new technology, stakeholders highlighting both the opportunities and adjustments necessitated by technological advancements, (2) capability development, stakeholders critically examining and questioning the existing development strategies, and (3) leadership, organization, and culture, emphasizing the necessity of decisive leadership in this domain. The study proposes a shift in the prevailing method of capability development to apply a more comprehensive and holistic approach, aimed at adjusting to the ever-changing technological landscape in military operations.

Many nations are developing their military towards so-called Multi-Domain Operations with artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal component, despite identified challenges. Modern-day military operations underscore the need for updated battle management and cross-domain communication, central to the principles of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). AI's potential is obvious, and while autonomous platforms revolutionize warfare, they introduce complexities in command and control (C2), which is also reflected in capability development. This study identifies suitable concepts for systemic analysis of military capability and is the starting point in forming a framework for C2 capability development in the context depicted. A number of concepts are identified; Combat Power, Fighting Power, Joint functions, Warfighting functions, Elements of combat power, Warfighting Capability, DOTMLPF(I), TEPIDOIL, Fundamental inputs to capability, Defence lines of Development, and Military Power. The study also highlights their systemic character and guides the reader briefly in matching issues with suitable concepts.