Heavy Brigade C2: Is the Current System too Complex
Abstract
The current heavy brigade command and control (C 2) system has become very complex. The brigade headquarters may not be capable of making timely and accurate decisions, or of successfully supervising the resulting operations. It may be too large to move quickly or remain undetected and it may be too heavily dependent upon sophisticated electronic communications equipment. As a result, the headquarters may not accomplish its mission or survive on the high- and mid- intensity battlefield. The purpose of this monograph is to examine the current divisional heavy brigade C2 system to determine if it has become too complex to be viable. The monograph concludes that the current heavy brigade C2 system is complex and that it may fail to operate successfully on the high- and mid- intensity battlefield envisioned by FM 100-5. Failure of the system will result because the current force structure does not allow the heavy brigade headquarters to operate in a continuous combat environment and survive. The findings imply that, although the current heavy brigade C2 doctrine is inconsistent, its intent is sound. Current manning and equipment authorization levels do not allow the doctrine to be executed as intended. Heavy brigade commanders must decide how to organize their brigade headquarters to conduct C2 functions and that decision will require the assumption of risk.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 21, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA208257
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Gilbert
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College