Vanguard Magazine

Industry EvEntS 34 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 www.vanguardcanada.com O n January 30th, attendees from the defence and security sectors in Canada congregated together to discuss lessons learned, technological advancement and its impact on the industry at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa for the 4th an- nual C4ISR and Beyond event hosted by Vanguard Magazine. "The 4th annual C4ISR & Beyond con- ference was an outstanding success," says Terri Pavelic, editor-in-chief Vanguard Magazine. "Approximately 150 attendees from military, industry and government challenged each other with thought pro- voking questions and scenarios, that led to enlightening ideas and new view points on the art of the possible." The opening keynote speaker was the Rear-Admiral S.E.G. Bishop, CMM, CD Commander of Canadian Forces Intel- ligence Command and Chief of Defence Intelligence. He spoke about the future of information environment and the implica- tions this will have on the Canadian Intel- ligence space. The Rear-Admiral Bishop expressed the need to have up-to-date weaponry in this modernizing and ever-connected world: that by utilizing every device associated with the internet, the Canadian defence will have raw, outsourced intelligence in real-time. "Every device will be 'smart' on tomor- row's battlefield," said Bishop. "Informa- tion collectors will be ubiquitous." The first panel of the day started strong and was led by LGen (Retired) Stuart Beare on weaponizing data. This panel focused on the sharing of experiences, insights and ideas born in the digital and technology sectors of industry, that are not only living and leading in data and digital relevant to the CAF, DND, and C4ISR, but critical to realizing the very best possible outcomes digital and technology can bring in this age and the age to come. The panelists partici- pating on this subject this year were: LGen (Retired) Michael Day, Strategic Adviser, MAG Aerospace; Carl Sharpe, Senior Prin- cipal Artificial Intelligence, Accenture; J. Sotropa, Chief Engineer, General Dynamics Mission Systems; and Richard L. Williams, Manager Surface Warfare Business Devel- opment, L3 Technologies. They discussed the need to be cognisant on and off the battlefield, and what we need to do to survive in this technological age. Di- vulging in what they believe should be fixed first – changing procurement models, edu- cation on every level, and R&D processes between military, government and industry. "We need to accept three things," said Carl Sharpe. "One, we need more data to view that data. Two, you cannot hire your way out of the problem. Three, you have to accept that collecting less data is not a solu- tion – we need to modernize." The second panel went on with the mili- tary view deliberating the CAF at large and the evolving nature of land, maritime and air warfare, with reference to the key role that C4ISR plays at all levels in order to succeed in operations. The three speakers represented the air force, navy and land to represent the three forces that encompass the Canadian Military, and led an engaging panel disclosing the viewpoints from their respective sectors. "The big thing is how do we enable the flow of information down to the tactical lev- el and operators," said Colonel D.A. Russel, CD, Director, Canadian Army Land War- fare Centre. "We need a mobile warfight- ing headquarters that can move with the soldiers, that can take in information from the strategic level down to the tactical level to enable them." As the day continued, there were more perceptive panels that delved into stimulat- ing topics such as delivering C4ISR through and for the SSE, and targeting in relation to the nature of cyber, space and intelligence needs and operations. The luncheon keynote speaker, Rear- Admiral D.C. Hawco, CD, Chief of Force Development, was of great insight into the impact of industry on government and the military. He proposed questions regarding what sort of relationship he would like to see with industry, answering that industry is a dynamic system of competing entities that are striving for advantage in a non-linear but non-fixed system – that industry is not a homogenous or unstable thing. One of Rear-Admiral Hawco's imperative sentences during his keynote was, "We also reflect in SSE how information technology, knowledge and problem solving are critical for Canada to allies to mitigate new threats, stay ahead of potential adversaries, and meet defense and security needs." He admitted it appeared to be a simple sentence, but that it underpins all that he would like to say. The day was topped off with a network- ing reception that gave the opportunity for industry to discuss in more detail with gov- ernment and military officials. The C4ISR and Beyond conference was an overall suc- cess, with many looking forward to the event next year with more stirring and in- novative topics. "Following on from last year's Canadian Defence Policy Review, it is important for those seeking to be involved in the outcomes to be as informed as possible when it comes to CAF thinking," says Dave Masson, Can- ada Country Manager, Darktrace. "C4ISR provides an impressive platform for informa- tion, assessment and engagement." 2018 Beyond sensors By michelle currie Speakers on the Weaponizing Data panel: Stuart Beare, D. Michael Day, J. Sotropa, Carl Sharpe, Richard L Williams C4ISR and Beyond

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