Command and control in operations other than war: a new framework

Abstract

The author presents a new framework for approaching command and control in operations other than war (OOTW). Currently, no common doctrine exists between potential coalition partners to guide the command and control process in this particular environment. As a consequence, coalitions are formed ad-hoc, which has potential consequences for the adequacy of the resulting command and control process and system, and commensurately, for the speed and impact a coalition may have in a target environment. The author examines current U.S. perceptions concerning command and control, intelligence, and communications, and the conceptual adjustments required for U.S. forces involved in the irregular environment. Challenges and lessons learned from recent OOTW are then discussed in order to identifiy, to the degree possible, specific impediments to optimum coalition command and control. Conclusions stress that a common and standardized approach is required to blend the political agendas, capabilities, and limitations of a diverse coalition into an efficient and effective entity. To accomplish this, the approach must include a methodical and iterative process which logically, chronologically, and holistically frames and links the problem at hand, the resources arrayed to address the problem, and the functions that compromise the problem solving process, in a manner appropriate to existing conditions at any particular time. The COordination, COoperation, and COnsensus (CO3) Loop presented in this thesis makes an initial effort at providing the common approach required