Future Warfare and the Viability of Command by Negation.

Abstract : Military command and control is typically executed in one of two ways. Centralized command structures that seek operational unity of effort through overt, top-down control of forces use 'command by detail'. Decentralized command structures that delegate tactical authority and seek unity of effort through commitment to operational vision, use 'command by negation'. In today's world military operations require elements of both types. Direct control is a must for increasingly sophisticated, highly lethal forces operating in a politically charged strategic environment. Conversely, participative decision-making and initiative are required at all levels just to combat the rising uncentaintied of high tempo warfare. On tomorrow's battlefield massive amounts of information flow between combatants, both vertically and horizontally, will probably facilitate greater direct control of forces while presenting as many men uncertainties as those that are solved. The technological, doctrinal, and armed service trends for command and control. However, are clear, command by negation will not survive in the coming era.