GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Combined Endeavor (CE) 2013, the world's preeminent multinational command, control, communications and computer (C4) systems interoperable exercise, is midway through the testing phase of operations. CE 2013 began on September 16, and will end on the September 26 marking the 19th year of the exercise.

"Coalition information sharing and the work being done in a partner environment was just a dream but look at where we are now", said Brig. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, Europe Command cyber/C4 director. "It is all because of the work being done here at Combined Endeavor."

The exercise develops interoperable tactics, techniques, procedures and validated standards in a coalition network environment that is responsive to dynamic operational requirements.

The standard has been created but the challenge for the team is how they can make an evolutionary change that creates a higher standard for the future of joint exercises, said Crawford.

"No one nation will go at it alone," said Lt. Col. Carl A. Lee, exercise director. "Future operations will be a coalition that will require a single network.

Working together we can continue to migrate CE from a multinational interoperability exercise to a mission focused coalition operation environment said Lee.

The network environment has been established and now it needs to be implemented into an operational capability for all nations participating.

"I look forward to the discussions that are going to occur and takes us from where are, to where we need to be," said Crawford.