Purpose

Purpose of the Office of Interoperability

The Office of Interoperability (OI) was established in response to the Reviews of Strategic (SLR) and Operational (OLR) Interoperability Between the Military Forces of Australia and the United States of America.

The Director General Interoperability (DGI) is responsible to the Chief of Capability Development Group, through Head Capability Systems Division for oversight of interoperability issues concerning capability development. DGI is responsive to Chief of Joint Operations for progressing interoperability issues that arise from the warfighter's perspective. Interoperability issues include joint, combined and coalition operations, activities and information sharing policies. DGI liases closely with Strategy Group to keep abreast of emerging strategic policy issues effecting interoperability.

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Tasks

OI's specific tasks include:

  • Oversight and coordination of implementing the Strategic Level Review (SLR) and Operational Level Review (OLR) along with their 106 recommendations;

  • Address issues concerning interoperability with the United States (US) and other potential coalition partners;

  • Work closely with USPACOM, which has responsibility for implementing the OLR across the US Armed Forces;

  • Provide quarterly progress reports to CDF and the Minister for Defence; and

  • Provide annual progress reports to Military Representatives Talks (MILREPS) and Australia United States Ministerial (AUSMIN).

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The Process for Implementing a Strategic Level Review or Operational Level Review Recommendation

Implementing an SLR or OLR Recommendation begins with OI appointing an Implementation Project Team (IPT). Either the Director General of OI or one of the OI Directors leads each IPT. The role of the IPT is to develop the recommendation towards closure.

Once the relevant parties for a recommendation are identified, OI plays a coordinating role: providing advice and 'tying up the players' on the US and Australian sides as necessary. Throughout the process, OI liaises with USPACOM, other combatant commands, the Pentagon, and other US agencies.

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Closing-out a SLR or OLR Recommendation

The Close-out Process begins with the actioning area producing a short and robust document stating that the original intent of the recommendation has been achieved. The quality of this document must be such that it will satisfy CDF at COSC. The close out document is forwarded to OI, who then processes it through the USPACOM. The document is included in COSC papers once OI and USPACOM are satisfied that the recommendation is ready to be closed. The closure of the recommendation is then reported to MILREPS and AUSMIN as appropriate.