THE DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION
JOURNEY
BY TERRI PAVELIC
VICE-ADMIRAL
BOB AUCHTERLONIE,
THE COMMANDER
OF CANADIAN
JOINT OPERATIONS
COMMAND
MAJOR-GENERAL
MICHAEL WRIGHT,
COMMANDER OF CANADIAN
FORCES INTELLIGENCE
COMMAND AND CHIEF OF
DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE
K
eeping in step with our allies requires that the Ca-
nadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of
National Defence (DND) become experts in har-
nessing data and converting it into operational
output. This requires a change in mindset, updated
processes to take advantage of digital systems, and partnerships
to achieve mission effect in a digital way that is mature, resilient,
and understood at all levels. This journey is not about the tech-
nologies per se, but how to use them as key ingredients to mis-
sion or project success.
Vanguard recently had the opportunity to speak separately with
Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, the Commander of Canadian
Joint Operations Command and Major-General Michael Wright,
Commander of Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and Chief
of Defence Intelligence. Together, they represent a large portion
of the operational community that will operationalise the CAF's
digital transformation. The digital transformation effort is being
spear-headed by the Vice-Chief Defence Staff Group and includes
the following digital priorities; data and digitalization; properly ar-
chitected C4ISR spine; supply chain reformation and professional
military education. They are responsible for implementing organi-
zational culture and employing technologies to ensure joint and
intelligence teams are action ready.
The discussion with VAdm Auchterlonie focused on the opera-
tional aspects of digital transformation while our discussion with
MGen Wright focused on Defence Intelligence Enterprise Renew-
al (DIER), an effort that is enabled by the DND/CAF's digital
transformation initiatives.
18 DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 www.vanguardcanada.com
INTERVIEW
