Light Infantry Battalion Night Attack: Command and Control System, Strengths and Weaknesses

摘要

This study first develops working definitions of command and control and command and control system. Next, it examines two examples of night attacks--one successful, the other unsuccessful--to determine the C & C factors that led to success in the first and failure in the second. Then, using the definition of the command and control system, it briefly describes the physical composition of this system for the light infantry battalion. Its next step is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the physical components of the C & C system of the light infantry battalion in their ability to perform the C & C factors of the night attack. conclusions include: 1) The leadership of the light infantry battalion will be its greatest strength during the night attack. 2) The light infantry battalion has a significant night vision capability, a strength forthe night attack, but it can be improved. 3) The battalion has sufficient FM radios on the TOE to conduct a night attack, but the lack of radios in the scout squads hinders their ability to pass reconnaissance information necessary for preparing provide flexible control during the conduct fo the attack. Finally, the battalion can significantly strengthen its capability to successfully execute a night attack if it develops and documents procedures, SOPs and techniques for quickly preparing warning orders and operations orders, thus providing subordinate units additional time for reconnaissance and thorough planning.