Command and Control

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The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commanding officer over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission.

Mission analysis: The process of understanding the overall objectives of a military operation and determining the appropriate courses of action to achieve those objectives.
Command structure: Describes the hierarchy of a military organization, from the president or commander-in-chief down to the tactical level.
Communications: Describes how information is passed between different levels of the command structure. This includes radio and satellite communications, as well as more traditional methods such as couriers.
Intelligence gathering: The process of collecting and analyzing information about enemy forces, terrain, and other relevant factors to inform tactical decisions.
Tactics: The specific strategies and maneuvers used by military units during operations. This includes everything from small-unit tactics to large-scale maneuver warfare.
Logistics: The process of managing and coordinating the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies during a military operation.
Command and control centers: The physical locations where senior commanders and staff coordinate military operations.
Cyber operations: The use of technology to disrupt or disable enemy networks, communications, or other systems.
Leadership and decision-making: The skills and qualities needed to lead a military unit effectively, including strategic thinking, communication, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure.
Rules of engagement: The guidelines that dictate when and how military units can use force during an operation. These rules are often shaped by political considerations and international law.
Risk management: The process of identifying and evaluating risks during a military operation and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.
Training and readiness: The ongoing process of preparing military units for operations, including physical conditioning, tactics training, and equipment maintenance.
Joint operations: The coordination of multiple military services (e.g. Army, Navy, Air Force) during a single operation.
Civil-military relations: The relationship between the military and civilian authorities, including the role of the military in domestic emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Psychological operations: The use of psychological tactics to influence enemy behavior and attitudes, including propaganda, deception, and disinformation.
Centralized Command and Control (C2): This type of command and control involves a single centralized authority figure who has complete control over all military operations.
Decentralized Command and Control (D2): This type of command and control involves multiple decentralized authority figures who have some degree of control over military operations.
Unified Command: This type of command and control involves the coordination of multiple military branches, services, or agencies in order to achieve a common objective.
Joint Command: This type of command and control involves the coordination of multiple military branches, services, or agencies in order to achieve a common objective on a large scale.
Task Force Command: This type of command and control involves the formation of a specific task force given a specific objective.
Operational Command: This type of command and control involves the orchestration of all aspects of military operations at the operational level.
Tactical Command: This type of command and control involves the coordination of military operations at the tactical level, such as in the field of battle.
Strategic Command: This type of command and control involves the coordination of military operations at the strategic level, such as in the planning of long-term military strategy and national security affairs.
Mission Command: This type of command and control involves the delegation of authority to subordinates in order to achieve specific objectives within a larger mission.
Real-Time Command and Control: This type of command and control involves the coordination of military operations in real-time, often using advanced technology, such as satellite systems, to track and command military assets.
"Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R. Agre define command and control as a 'set of organizational and technical attributes and processes ... [that] employs human, physical, and information resources to solve problems and accomplish missions.'"
"Versions of the United States Army Field Manual 3-0 circulated circa 1999 define command and control as the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commanding officer over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of a mission."
"A 1988 NATO definition states that command and control is the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated individual over assigned resources in the accomplishment of a common goal."
"The Australian Defence Force definition, similar to that of NATO, emphasises that command and control is the system empowering designated personnel to exercise lawful authority and direction over assigned forces for the accomplishment of missions and tasks."
"The Australian doctrine states: 'The use of agreed terminology and definitions is fundamental to any C2 system and the development of joint doctrine and procedures.'"
"The definition by Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R. Agre mentions that command and control employs human, physical, and information resources to solve problems and accomplish missions."
"The United States Army Field Manual defines command and control as the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commanding officer over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of a mission."
"According to the 2015 definition by Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R. Agre, the main goal of command and control is to achieve the goals of an organization or enterprise."
"NATO defines command and control as the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated individual over assigned resources."
"The Australian Defence Force definition states that command and control is the system empowering designated personnel to exercise lawful authority and direction over assigned forces."
"Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R. Agre state that command and control consists of a 'set of organizational and technical attributes and processes.'"
"Versions of the United States Army Field Manual 3-0 defining command and control circulated circa 1999."
"The Australian Defence Force definition highlights that command and control is for the accomplishment of missions and tasks."
"A 1988 NATO definition provided the definition of command and control as the exercise of authority and direction."
"The Australian doctrine states that agreed terminology and definitions are fundamental to any C2 system and the development of joint doctrine and procedures."
"The 2015 definition by Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R. Agre describes command and control as a 'set of organizational and technical attributes and processes.' "
"The United States Army Field Manual defines command and control as the exercise of authority and direction over assigned and attached forces."
"The paragraph states that internationally there is some agreement on the definitions, although not every potential ally will use the terms with exactly the same meaning."
"The Australian Defence Force definition emphasizes that C2 is the system empowering designated personnel to exercise lawful authority and direction over assigned forces."
"The 2015 definition mentions that command and control employs human, physical, and information resources to solve problems and accomplish missions."