The Evolution Towards Decentralized C2
Abstract
We examine (1) the degree to which the U.S. military is planning to move towards a more decentralized C2 paradigm; (2) the adoption of such a paradigm by adversaries; (3) the degree to which the United States is actually making the transition; and (4) the factors enabling and impeding the shift. We find that many adversaries of the West, including terrorist organizations and ?hybrid enemies,? are already operating in an agile, decentralized manner. Meanwhile, top-level strategic plans of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) are consistent with a transition to net-enabled decentralized command and control (C2) for the U.S. military where appropriate, and the shift is supported by stated mission command doctrine. The transition is already occurring to some degree. In Afghanistan, for example, small Marine units operate with significant autonomy and edge-like behavior. The DoD has also made progress in the use of web-enabled collaborative systems. These systems have broadened information distribution and stimulated new interaction patterns, although they have not changed the allocation of decision rights. Technologies enabling the shift to net-enabled decentralized C2 must be coupled with appropriate policies and procedures and occasionally must overcome midlevel institutional cultural resistance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA517367
Entities
People
- M. S. Vassiliou
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses