We live in the digital age. Technology has given us great luxury on one hand, and on the other provided overwhelming data. So how does one ride the wave of information versus being buried by it?
Some see data as the ammunition, computers and communications as the carrier, advanced analytics as the weaponizer and the C4ISR architecture as the means that brings all these together – tactically, operationally and at the strategic levels.
With information being such vital part of C4ISR, Vanguard has dedicated its next C4ISR & Beyond conference on the theme of “Beyond Sensors” with a focus on Command, Control and Information.
Agenda
This one-day event, which will be held on January 30 in Ottawa, will delve into how to process, exploit and disseminate usable information from the enormous volume of data gathered through sensors. Then going beyond sensors with a focus on AI, Big Data, Operational Analysis and the future from a Business Intelligence perspective.
Some of the sessions at this event include Weaponizing Data, Environmental Domains, Delivering C4ISR through and for Strong Secure Engage, and Next Generation C3 Centre Design.
The Weaponizing Data panel will focus on sharing experiences, insights, and ideas born in the digital and technology sectors. Panelists will talk about data generation and stewardship, data exploitation and advanced analytics, insights and understanding in AI, understanding interface and securing the domain.
Military personnel on the Environmental Domains panel will deliberate on the view of the mission of the CAF at large, and the evolving nature of land, maritime and air warfare. They will talk about key role C4ISR plays and the main capabilities that soldiers, sailors, airmen and their leaders require in order to succeed in operations.
The session on Delivering C4ISR through and for Strong Secure Engage will provide key initiatives and new conditions that need to be established if the best of digital, technology, people and processes are to be brought to bear. It will present and deliberate on the measures being pursued, or that need to be pursued if Defence and the Government of Canada are to achieve these results.
Speakers
REAR-ADMIRAL D.C. HAWCO, MSM, CD
CHIEF OF FORCE DEVELOPMENT
Following initial naval training and employment as a shipborne air controller, he deployed to the Adriatic for OP SHARP GUARD as a member of the NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic staff, enforcing a UN embargo against the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1998, he next joined HMCS OTTAWA for her OP MERCATOR deployment as an integral member of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Battle Group, enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq. As Executive Officer of HMCS VANCOUVER and in response to the attacks of September 11th, 2001, HMCS VANCOUVER was immediately deployed to the Persian Gulf for OP APOLLO, Canada’s commitment to the War on Terrorism. During this seven-month operational tour, HMCS VANCOUVER deployed as an integrated unit within the USS JOHN C. STENNIS Carrier Battle Group.
As Commanding Officer of HMCS OTTAWA in 2006, he deployed again to the Persian Gulf, this time in support of OPERATION ALTAIR as an integrated unit within the USS BOXER Expeditionary Strike Group, where he was subsequently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by both Canada and the United States. Finally, in December 2010 he was selected for a one-year deployment to Afghanistan as an Advisor to COMISAF within his Commander’s Initiatives Group Staff.
In his career, Rear Admiral Hawco’s non-operational shore appointments included the RCN’s Senior Advanced Air Control Instructor in the CF Naval Operations School in Halifax; Combat Division Commander at the CF Fleet School in Victoria; Senior Staff Officer Schedules, Plans & Exercises in Victoria; Executive Secretary to the Chief of the Maritime Staff in NDHQ Ottawa; Director Maritime Requirements Sea for the RCN in NHDQ Ottawa; Director General Maritime Strategic Management in NHDQ Ottawa; and Director General Cyberspace in NDHQ Ottawa.
In addition to Command of HMCS OTTAWA, he was appointed as the Commander Atlantic Fleet in 2012-2013. His academic credentials include a BAdmin from the College Militaire Royal de St-Jean, a Masters in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College, and a Masters in Defence Policy and Management from the Royal Military College.
In May of 2015, he was promoted to Rear-Admiral and appointed as the Chief of Force Development at NDHQ. Somewhat handy around the house, his hobbies center on keeping his bride and four teenage daughters content.
REAR-ADMIRAL S.E.G. BISHOP, CMM, CD
COMMANDER CANADIAN FORCES INTELLIGENCE COMMAND AND CHIEF OF DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE
Originally from Vancouver, British-Columbia, Rear Admiral Bishop embarked on a naval career by first joining the Naval Reserve at HMCS DISCOVERY in 1983. Two years later, he transferred to the Regular Force and, after completing his initial training, joined HMCS RESTIGOUCHE as a bridge watch-keeping officer.
Early on, Rear Admiral Bishop specialized in navigation, successfully completing both the Destroyer Navigation Officer course and the Maritime Advanced Navigation Officer Course. He served as the Senior Navigation Instructor at the Naval Officer Training Centre, and as the Navigating Officer in HMC Ships CHIGNECTO, MIRAMICHI, QU’APPELLE, and PROVIDER. While in PROVIDER, he participated in OPERATION FORWARD ACTION to enforce UN Sanctions against Haiti.
In 1995, Rear Admiral Bishop attended a yearlong warfare course for future Operations Room Officers, after which he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and posted to HMCS VANCOUVER as the ship’s Combat Officer. In 1998, he was assigned similar duties at Sea Training Pacific.
In 2000, he was appointed Executive Officer in HMCS ATHABASKAN. After being promoted to the rank of Commander in 2003 and completing a tour of duty in National Defence Headquarters, he was selected to command the frigate, HMCS HALIFAX in 2005. HALIFAX deployed with NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group One and participated in OPERATION ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, NATO’s maritime contribution to the campaign against terrorism.
In 2011, he deployed on OPERATION UNIFIED PROTECTOR as the Chief of Current Operations in the Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters to enforce NATO’s no-fly-zone and embargo against Libya.
His most recent command appointments have been Commander Maritime Operations Group Five, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, and Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic.
Over his career, Rear Admiral Bishop has worked in many staff appointments, including member of the Chief of Defence Staff’s capability action teams; Director of Transformation and Strategic Planning for the Chief of Force Development; Special Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff; Director of Operations with the Strategic Joint Staff and, more recently, Director General International Security Policy.
Rear Admiral Bishop holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is a graduate of the US Navy’s War College. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of Military Merit in 2016.
To attend C4ISR and Beyond 2018, register at https://vanguardcanada.com//c4isr2018