Fortifying the Future: Disaggregated Operations and Tactical Resilience Against Emerging Threats

NATO recently sounded the alarm over Russia's potential to disrupt Western infrastructure, particularly undersea internet cables and GPS systems. NATO officials pointed out Russia’s mapping of these cables and instances of GPS interference in Europe, emphasizing the vulnerability of these critical infrastructures. The article highlights that over 95% of international communications rely on these cables, meaning any disruption could have catastrophic consequences for military and civilian operations.

Tactical Response with Disaggregated Operations

To counter these threats, disaggregated operations provide a tactical solution that ensures resilience and operational continuity, even when central communication systems face compromise. This approach decentralizes critical military functions, enabling units to operate independently while maintaining horizontal communication with other units.

1. Mobile Command and Control (C2):

• Deployment: To avoid disruptions, we distribute C2 functions across mobile platforms, such as vehicles or portable containers. These mobile units are designed for quick deployment, adaptability, and autonomous operation.
• SD-WAN Integration: We rely on SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) to maintain communication between these mobile C2 units. By leveraging SD-WAN, we use multiple communication paths and dynamically route data to ensure secure and resilient connectivity, even when traditional networks fail.

2. Microservices and Edge Computing:

• Dispersed Microservices: We deploy microservices across multiple nodes instead of relying on centralized servers. This decentralized approach enhances system resilience, ensuring critical services stay operational even under attack.
• Edge Computing: We position compute nodes closer to the front lines to enhance resilience and reduce latency. These edge nodes process data locally, enabling faster decision-making and action. Coupled with SD-WAN, we ensure efficient data processing and communication, even in disconnected environments.

3. Network Nodes and Horizontal Communication:

• Mesh Networks: We implement mesh networks, supported by SD-WAN, to provide a flexible and robust alternative when traditional hierarchical communication fails. This allows units to communicate directly with each other, maintaining operational coherence even when cut off from higher headquarters.
• Interoperability: As operations grow more complex, we ensure seamless communication between different units and allied forces. SD-WAN manages diverse communication channels, keeping these networks interoperable and effective across various platforms and nationalities.

4. Mobility and Flexibility:

• HIMARS-inspired Mobility: Inspired by HIMARS's "shoot and scoot" tactics, we design mobile C2, compute, and network nodes for high mobility and quick redeployment. This mobility allows us to avoid detection and targeting by adversaries while continually adapting to the battlefield's dynamic nature.
• Dynamic Operations: We combine the mobility of these units with SD-WAN’s ability to maintain communication, enabling dynamic operations. This allows us to relocate quickly and re-establish connections to stay ahead of the enemy.

5. Tactical Microgrids and Power Independence:

• Power Resilience: We use tactical microgrids to provide the necessary power, ensuring that mobile units remain operational in isolated or disrupted environments. These microgrids are self-sufficient, utilizing renewable energy sources or portable generators to keep systems running.
• Integration with SD-WAN and Microservices: Powering these distributed systems is critical, so we integrate tactical microgrids into the overall architecture. SD-WAN optimizes energy use across the network, ensuring that all deployed systems have reliable power to maintain operational effectiveness.

6. Internal Timing Systems to Counter GPS Jamming:

• Radium-based Timing: We implement radium-based internal timing systems in environments where GPS is jammed or unreliable. These systems provide precise timing independent of external GPS signals, ensuring that operations can continue seamlessly despite attempts to disrupt navigation and synchronization. This timing method is critical for maintaining the accuracy and coordination of military operations, especially in highly contested areas.

The disaggregated operations model, enhanced by SD-WAN, microservices, and radium-based timing systems, offers a robust tactical response to the threats identified by NATO. As the risks to undersea cables and GPS systems increase, we prioritize the ability to operate independently of central command while maintaining horizontal communication with our allies. By adopting this approach, we ensure resilience and effectiveness, even when critical infrastructure comes under attack.