Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(November 2004 Update)

Projects necessary to avoid the failure of policy

The Joint Command and Control System (JCCS) project is designed to implement an automated command and control system for the NZDF. This information technology (IT) based system will collect, collate, process, display, store, disseminate and protect command and control information in near real-time.

A JCCS is an enabling capability for all of the policy roles and tasks required of the NZDF. A JCCS enables elements from all three services to work together efficiently and effectively by enhancing decision-making processes.

The NZDF’s current command and control systems are largely manual and paper based. Experience in recent operations and exercises has shown that the NZDF system is dated and inefficient. This has impacted on the effectiveness of the Joint Force Headquarters. The slower and less accurate decision making cycle currently available to commanders is likely to lead to policy failure as it becomes increasingly difficult for the NZDF to plan operations and effectively co-ordinate its own operations.

The JCCS is an overarching capability that contributes to all NZDF outputs. While the JCCS will give the NZDF the ability to manage command and control information, the project does not provide the ability to communicate data. The JCCS will therefore depend on a suitable communications infrastructure.

The JCCS project is being managed under State Services Commission and Treasury guidelines for major IT projects. A proposal seeking approval to canvas proposals from industry is expected to be brought forward to Cabinet by the end of 2004.

This project proposes to enhance the New Zealand Defence Force’s Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) capability and develop a credible Improvised Explosive Device Disposal – Chemical, Biological (IEDD-CB) and possibly a Radiological capability.

An IEDD and IEDD-CB capability is part of the NZDF’s role to counter any threat posed by terrorism or acts of sabotage. The NZDF is an essential component of the wider whole-of-government approach to an IEDD or IEDD-CB emergency with the New Zealand Police managing such an occurrence. The potential consequences of IEDD incidents range from limited, but costly, inconvenience and disruption of activities through to loss of life if an explosive device was to detonate.