Graham Ball, Deputy Director of Integration, discusses how Strategic Command develops cross-cutting capabilities for Defence and integrates across government and with our Allies and partners overseas.
Interviewer: Could you provide some background on your role and your experience?
Graham Ball: I'm Graham Ball, Deputy Director Integration at Strategic Command. I’m also the head of the Multi-Domain Integration Change Programme (MDICP) which looks at how we can integrate the work of the Armed Forces, and wider Defence, better – across the warfighting domains, and, crucially with the rest of Government as well as our Allies and partners overseas. One of the big highlights in my career was being part of the team that created Strategic Command, where we shifted the emphasis to contribute to Defence in a really unique way.
Interviewer: Why is integration a top priority for Strategic Command?
Graham Ball: Integration is crucial for us at Strategic Command. It involves ensuring that the Armed Forces can act in a way greater than the sum of their collective parts. This means connecting across warfighting domains of maritime, land, air, cyber and EM, and space. However, the real challenge lies in better integrating with the government, playing a supportive role, and harness – or integrating – our work to keep making a meaningful impact on the international stage.
Interviewer: How is Strategic Command adopting a Multi-Domain approach?
Graham Ball: Through the MDICP we’re making sure that changes across the five warfighting domains are cohesive across Defence. We also collaborate with government partners domestically and internationally to foster collaboration and learn from shared experiences.
Interviewer: Why is an integrated force considered a winning force?
Graham Ball: An integrated force is a winning force because it maximises the impact of our collective effects. At Strategic Command, we deliver the vital, but often unseen elements, for Defence. We’re enabling essential improvements across these to support Defence’s mission of securing the nation and helping it prosper. Without our initiatives, progress could stall, and Defence wouldn't effectively deliver on its mission.
Interviewer: How does Strategic Command improve integration and collaboration across different domains?
Graham Ball: We’re actively working to identify and implement improvements in our practices, enhancing capabilities, and supporting our warfighters in adapting to change. By fostering a culture of learning rapidly from our experiences – especially from operations - we aim to continuously evolve and contribute meaningfully to the broader national and international security. Providing different, and better, options for decision-makers and Ministers.
Interviewer: How does Strategic Command contribute to the overall mission of Defence?
Graham Ball: A key priority for Strategic Command is to sharpen Defence’s edge. By driving integration across different domains and collaborating effectively with government partners, both national and international, we play a crucial role in ensuring that Defence remains agile, responsive, and well-prepared to address the challenges of today and adapt to the challenges of tomorrow.
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