Hedge against Uncertainty: Using Command, Control, Communications, Computer (C4) Technology on the Battlefield.

摘要

Martin Van Crevald says that certainty on the battlefield is an unattainable goal due to the 'fog' and 'friction' of war. Yet, the operational commanders who blindly accepts this notion without a fight is dooming his forces to certain defeat. While accepting a limited degree of uncertainty is tolerable, to resign oneself to viewing the battlefield as a three-dimensional stage for events to unfold outside the influence of the commander is unexcusable. Moreover, it is understandable that commanders are turning to command, control, communications and computer (C4) technology to solve critical information needs, thereby side stepping uncertainty in conflict. Constantly being bombarded with the requirement to make decisions that translate into decisive victories, the operational commander who fails to master the application of C4 technology as a hedge against the unpredictability in war is doomed to failure. The purpose of this paper is to address the operational mind set required with respect to C4 technology for the CINC or JTF commander to win on the battlefield.... Command, Communications, Computers, Technology, Uncertainty, C4.