Command & Control (C2) Systems and Software Engineering Workshop by Tonex
Duration: 2 Days | Format: In-person / Virtual / Hybrid
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This workshop provides systems and software engineers with the methods, tools, and frameworks needed to design, develop, and sustain Command and Control (C2) systems for multi-domain military operations. It emphasizes real-time decision support, interoperability, software architecture, human-system integration (HSI), and security in complex, distributed environments.
Participants will explore requirements analysis, model-based engineering, mission thread development, and integration of C2 with C5ISR, JADC2, and coalition operations.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the architecture and operational role of C2 systems in military operations.
- Apply systems and software engineering principles tailored to C2 environments.
- Design for scalability, latency, interoperability, and resilience.
- Develop mission threads and operational use cases across joint/allied operations.
- Integrate human factors, AI/ML decision support, and geospatial visualization into C2 systems.
- Implement security, survivability, and compliance (e.g., RMF, STIG, ICD 503).
- Support transition to JADC2 and advanced multi-domain operations.
Target Audience:
- Systems and software engineers developing C2 and C5ISR systems
- Government and contractor acquisition professionals
- Mission planning and systems integration leads
- Software architects and UI/UX designers for C2 platforms
- Commanders and technical staff supporting C2 modernization
- Cybersecurity professionals involved in mission assurance
- AI/ML teams building C2 analytics or fusion engines
Workshop Modules:
Day 1 – Fundamentals of C2 Systems Engineering
Module 1: C2 System Overview & Operational Context
- What is Command & Control? Tactical, operational, strategic levels
- Joint C2 systems (AFATDS, GCCS-J, TBMCS, DCGS, etc.)
- Interoperability with JADC2, CJADC2, ABMS, Project Convergence
- Mission profiles: air defense, maritime C2, ISR fusion, logistics
Module 2: C2 System Architectures & Functional Components
- Components: sensors, processors, fusion engines, HMI, networks
- Layered architecture: data ingestion → fusion → decision support
- Open architecture standards (e.g., OMS/UCI, FACE, SOSA, NATO architectures)
- Tactical data links (Link 16, Link 22, VMF, JREAP)
Module 3: Systems Engineering & Requirements for C2
- Stakeholder analysis and mission threads
- Operational requirements vs. system requirements
- Scenarios and use case modeling (SysML, DoDAF)
- ICDs, interface definitions, and data models (e.g., UJTL, C-BML)
Module 4: Real-Time & Distributed Software for C2
- Determinism, latency, and real-time messaging
- Middleware and data buses: DDS, JMS, Apache Kafka
- C2 software development platforms and tools
- Scalability and reliability in tactical edge environments
Day 2 – Integration, Software Assurance & Future-Ready C2
Module 5: Human-System Integration (HSI) in C2
- HMI design principles for commanders and warfighters
- Cognitive load, decision cycles, and situational awareness
- UX design for complex visualization and decision timelines
- Tools: 2D/3D GIS, COP viewers, and tactical overlays
Module 6: Security, Compliance & Survivability
- Information assurance for C2 systems (NIST RMF, CNSSI 1253, STIGs)
- Cross-domain solutions (CDS) and multi-level security (MLS)
- Continuity of operations (COOP) and degraded mode resilience
- Secure code and supply chain risk management
Module 7: C2 System Testing, V&V, and Sustainment
- IV&V strategies: thread-based testing, MIL-STD-882, 1553, 1760
- Simulation-based testing (e.g., JSAF, OneSAF)
- Continuous integration and DevSecOps in C2 environments
- Sustainment challenges in long-lifecycle military systems
Module 8: Future Trends in C2 Systems Engineering
- AI/ML for predictive decision support
- Cloud-native and edge-deployed C2 platforms
- Integration with 5G, LEO satcom, and space-based sensors
- NATO interoperability and coalition C2 modernization
Workshop Exercises & Tools
- C2 System Mapping: Create architecture diagrams using operational mission threads
- Use Case Analysis: Define C2 interactions for an air-ground coordination scenario
- Software Threat Model: Identify C2 software vulnerabilities and mitigation plans
- Verification Matrix: Map mission requirements to test cases and V&V plans
Course Materials
- Slide deck (format)
- C2 system requirements and architecture templates
- SysML and DoDAF modeling samples
- Glossary of C2 terms, acronyms, and standards
- Testing checklist and interface management toolkit