Tactical Information Gathering in the High Technology Command and Control Environment

This study investigates the US Army division commander's leadership responsibilities in directing the information gathering effort of his high technology command and control systems. The study first summarizes some major criteria for effective command and control. The study briefly describes today's command and control environment, recognizing the effects of the latest technology, revised doctrine, and the timeless human element of war. It then examines the potential effects of high technology information gathering on effective command and control. The study identifies five leadership requirements for the division commander in directing the information gathering effort. Those requirements are to: emphasize "command" over "control", organize the systems for the information gathering effort, focus the information gathering effort, discipline the information gathering systems, and train for the effort. The study concludes that the division commander's personal and organizational leadership is necessary to gain the great advantages of the US Army division's modern information gathering systems while minimizing the inherent adverse effects of those systems on effective command and control.