Harmonizing BML Approaches: Grammars and Data Models for a BML Standard

Abstract

Battle Management Language (BML) is being developed as an open standard that unambiguously formalizes and specifies Command and Control information, including orders and reports built upon precise representations of tasks. BML is a language specification, based on doctrine and consistent with Coalition standards. The goal of BML is to enable and improve the interoperability in the C2 area, especially by enabling also the military communication with simulation systems and future robotic forces. Although the need for BML is well documented, a SISO standard has still not been achieved. At present, there are two recommended approaches focusing on different aspects. In order to achieve a SISO standard, the SISO product development group for the development of BML has explored these approaches and presented three possible ways to achieve the standard. On the basis of these recommendations, Bundeswehr’s IT office asked supporters of both BML approaches to discuss possible compromises in order to get the best out of the approaches and to facilitate the definition of the standard. In this paper, a way forward is recommended and explained. In short, this compromise recommends using MBDE’s transactionals as constituents under the C2LG.