Command and control in the Fleet Battle Group: an organizational approach

Abstract

This thesis contains a brief overview of past developments in command and control, and applies organizational theory to the design of systems for tactical command and control, specifically within the context of the Fleet Battle Group. By applying Ashby's theory of requisite variety and Mintzberg's five coordinating mechanisms, a general model of tactical warfare is provided. The author proposes a balanced application of the five coordinating mechanisms to the problems of command and control within the battle group, or other tactical combatant organization.