Finding pathways for Human–Machine Teaming in Command and Control at Operational Level: Taking Advantage of Both the Best Humans Can Offer and Machines Can Provide

This paper represents a close collaborative effort between JAPCC and the NATO Command and Control Centre of Excellence (C2COE) to explore how Human–Machine Teaming (HMT) can strengthen Command and Control at the operational level in an increasingly complex, multi-domain environment. As the pace of contemporary conflict continues to accelerate, seamlessly integrating advanced machine capabilities with human judgement is becoming essential to maintaining decision superiority and operational effectiveness.
Drawing on interdisciplinary research, operational examples, and expert insight, the study examines how humans and intelligent systems can work in concert as cognitive teammates to enhance situational understanding, improve tempo, and support more resilient decision-making. It also highlights important organisational and operational considerations that must be addressed to ensure that technology enhances, rather than erodes, human expertise and accountability.

By combining the perspectives and subject-matter expertise of both Centres of Excellence, this work contributes to NATO’s broader efforts in advancing Cross-Domain Command, offering practical pathways for an effective integration of Human–Machine Teaming.

Download the full paper, as published by NATO C2COE: https://c2coe.org/download/hmtarticle/