Command and Control - Paradigm Shift Ahead

摘要

Command and control (C2) has evolved throughout the ages and is turning point for a paradigm shift in this age of the Information Environment. Analysis of the term command and control indicates it is neither properly defined for the complex coalition nor interagency operations that prevail today and the future. This paper reviews the current joint definitions and discusses the proposed replacement lexicons. It then reviews how generational characteristics must be understood and applied in the leveraging of technology in the development of the C2 systems across the operational level. Technology, while a driver of C2, cannot replace the human element. The architecture of tomorrow is more important than the system and there are echelons when removed facilitate a compression of C2 systems across the joint force. Operations centers will provide synergy throughout the operational level of war and serve as hubs that dispersed tactical units can access. Finally, the paper draws conclusions regarding how the Information Environment will allow for the compression of C2 architectures, common structures among operations centers, well crafted and communicated commanders' intent and systems that conform to the generational characteristics.