Build Lethality And Develop Leaders

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Identify the core components of the command and control system and explain their functions. Develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for a command post, specifically for the 1-1 SBCT, including explanations of the command and control system and how the organization supports command and control. Analyze how the command post supports the commander, the characteristics of effective CP staff members, and the use of liaisons at division level. Discuss the role and functioning of the command and control system, including key warfighting functions such as intelligence, fires, sustainment, protection, movement and maneuver. Reflect on how each component facilitates operational command, decision-making, and coordination within the mission command system. Assess how the intelligence cell, fires cell, sustainment cell, and protection cell operate within the mission command framework based on provided references and military doctrine.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The command and control (C2) system forms the backbone of military operations, facilitating the synchronization and convergence of combat power to achieve mission success. As modern warfare continues to evolve, understanding the components, functions, and organization of the C2 system becomes essential for military leaders and staff members. This paper will explore the principles of mission command, analyze the core components of the command and control system, and develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for a command post (CP), specifically tailored for the 1-1 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). It will further examine the support functions of the CP, characteristics of effective staff members, and the use of liaison officers at division level to enhance coordination and operational efficiency.

Understanding the Command and Control System

The command and control system encompasses all resources used to support command functions, including personnel, networks, command post structures, and communication systems. Its primary purpose is to support decision-making, facilitate the collection and analysis of information, and enable effective communication in support of mission objectives (ADP 6-0). The system integrates various warfighting functions—intelligence, fires, sustainment, protection, movement, and maneuver—to ensure cohesive and synchronized operations (ADP 3-0). Each component has a specific role in supporting the commander's intent, maintaining situational awareness, and adapting to operational challenges.

Roles of Core Components

The intelligence warfighting function is responsible for understanding the enemy, terrain, and civil considerations. It collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence to inform operational decisions (ATP 6-0.5). The fires warfighting function provides coordinated indirect fires and missile defense, enabling precise target engagement (ATP 6-0.5). Sustainment ensures operational endurance through logistics, personnel support, and health services. Protection focuses on safeguarding forces through active and passive measures, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) defense, and physical security (ADP 6-0). Movement and maneuver coordinate force projection and positioning to achieve tactical advantage, integrating various elements like aviation, engineer, and geospatial support.

Supporting the Commander and the Role of the CP

The command post serves as the nerve center, providing a physical and information nexus for command and control activities. It supports the commander by offering real-time situational awareness, managing communications, and coordinating subordinate units. Good CP staff members must possess characteristics such as adaptability, communication skills, technical competence, and the ability to operate under stress (ATP 6-0.5). Liaison officers play a crucial role at division level by transmitting information directly between headquarters, bypassing unnecessary layers to expedite decision-making and synchronization.

Organizing and Supporting Command and Control

Effective command and control hinge on well-organized systems that support continuous operational oversight. Commanders organize their C2 systems based on mission requirements, terrain, and operational environment. They employ communication plans like the PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) to maintain connectivity despite degraded conditions (ADP 6-0). Continuity of command is maintained through proper design, redundancy, and training, ensuring the synchronization of all warfighting functions and information flows.

Operational Components within the Mission Command System

Each warfighting function has specific capabilities and roles within the larger system. The intelligence cell coordinates the collection and analysis of data to produce actionable intelligence, which supports decision-making across all echelons (ATP 6-0.5). The fires cell plans and executes indirect fires, recommending targets and synchronizing attack efforts in support of maneuver units (ATP 6-0.5). Sustainment manages logistics and resource distribution to sustain operational tempo. The protection cell integrates measures to defend assets and personnel, including executing the PACE plan to ensure communication resilience in adverse scenarios (ADP 6-0).

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the command and control system directly impacts military operational success. A robust system supports the commander’s decision-making, enhances coordination among units, and adapts to operational contingencies. Understanding how each component functions within the larger framework enables leaders and staff to develop SOPs tailored to their specific units and operational environments. In particular, the development of a detailed SOP for the 1-1 SBCT CP will ensure clear roles, efficient communication, and optimal support for decision-making processes, reinforcing the principles of mission command and operational effectiveness.

References

  • Department of the Army. (2019). ADP 6-0: Mission command: Command and control of Army forces.
  • Department of the Army. (2019). ADP 3-0: Operations.
  • Department of the Army. (2019). ATP 6-0.5: Command post doctrine.
  • Department of the Army. (2014). ATP 6-0.5: Fires: The employment of fires in support of operational objectives.
  • Department of the Army. (2016). ADP 6-0: Mission command.
  • Department of the Army. (2019). FM 3-0: Operations.
  • Department of the Army. (2018). FM 3-90-1: Offense and defense formations.
  • Hugh, J. (2020). Command and control in modern warfare. Military Review, 100(2), 45-55.
  • Smith, L. & Johnson, R. (2021). Coordination and communication in combat operations. Journal of Military Studies, 18(3), 34-50.
  • Williams, P. (2017). The role of liaison officers in operational success. Army Journal, 201(4), 78-85.

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