Field Manual 5-0. Exercising Command and Control in an Era of Persistent Conflict
Abstract
OUR ARMY, as part of a joint interdependent force, continues to engage in full spectrum operations around the world. Several global trends-such as failing and failed states, resource demands, and proliferations of weapons of mass destruction-make it likely that the next decades will be characterized by persistent conflict. Protracted confrontations among state, nonstate, and individual actors that are increasingly willing to use violence to achieve their political and ideological ends appear certain. Whether reacting to natural disasters or confronting armed enemies, Army forces will continue to conduct operations in complex, ever-changing, and uncertain operational environments. Operational experience and lessons, transformational changes, and recent revisions to Joint and Army doctrine now demand major revisions to Field Manual (FM) 5-0, The Operations Process. Of the many lessons learned from wartime experience since 2001, the need to improve our ability to exercise the "thinking" aspects of command and control stands out. The 2010 edition of FM 5-0 represents a significant evolution in Army doctrine focusing on the cognitive aspects of command and control. The revised FM 5-0 describes how commanders-supported by their staffs, subordinate commanders, and other partners-exercise command and control during the conduct of full spectrum operations. In operations, commanders face thinking and adaptive enemies, changing civilian perceptions, and differing agendas of various organizations in an operational area. Commanders can never predict with certainty how enemies or civilians will act and react or how events may develop. During execution, leaders must continuously anticipate, learn, and adapt to overcome the dynamics of changing circumstances and adaptive adversaries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA514761
Entities
People
- Clinton J. Ancker Iii
- Michael O. Flynn
Organizations
- United States Army Combined Arms Center