Linguistic principles of C2 languages and grammars

The specification of a language always is based on a grammar. This is especially true if the language is used for inter-system communication: Automated systems demand the foundation of the language on a formal grammar. During past decade, a precise language for C2, Battle Management Language (BML), has been under development as a standard for assigning C2 tasks to units in simulation system. In this paper, we refer to a BML implementation developed for use by the NATO Technical Activity MSG-048. With respect to grammar, there have been arguments for a regular grammar as a basis for a formal C2 language. We will show that regular grammars are not appropriate for this. We will also discuss the requirements for grammars that are the basis for military communication between C2 systems as well as between C2 systems and simulation systems. These requirements are fulfilled by the Command and Control Lexical Grammar (C2LG) which is a context-free grammar. C2LG defines the lingu istic basis for "Coalition Battle Management Language" used in the NATO RTO MSG 048 activity.