Use of Command and Control to Enhance Agility and Achieve Synchronization on the AirLand Battlefield

<p>This monograph asks the question: How does a commander at the operational level command and control his forces to achieve synchronization? The lessons of history suggest that the threads common to successful command and control can be identified. Perhaps these lessons hold clues for operational level commanders both now and in the future. Each of the illustrative examples demonstrates that successful operational synchronization can be achieved through effective command and control. The common threads identified from the illustrative examples of Napoleon the Prussian/German General Staff system Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and Field Marshal William Slim include: a clear commander's intent flexibility tactical proficiency the innovative use of assets stability forward command unity of effort and simplicity resulting in a common cultural bias. How these threads were applied by the United States in the Vietnam Conflict and the Iranian Rescue Mission is next examined. This monograph states that most of these common threads were violated in each of these illustrative examples. That these violations occurred is not necessarily bad but they indicate symptoms of a possible systemic failure. This monograph recommends that the United States build a system of command and control based upon a stable yet flexible common cultural bias incorporating both the positive and negative lessons of history. This monograph concludes that effective command and control based upon stable compatible doctrine will lead to a common cultural bias which will enhance unity of effort and thus the nation's defense.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>