Introduction to Command, Control and Communications (C3) Through Comparative Case Analysis

This thesis contains material for the course, Introduction to Command, Control and Communications (C3). The first part of the thesis describes selected principles and concepts of C3 related to communication management, interoperability, command structure and standardization. The Crisis Action System is described emphasizing the roles and functions of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. A discussion of decision making in command and control examines the principles of unity of command, echelon skipping and span of control. Finally, the Joint Task Force (JTF) apparatus is reviewed from the perspective of interoperability. The second part of the thesis contains four case studies designed to provide an understanding of command and control by developing a competence to diagnose and solve command and control situations. The solutions to the cases require applying the principles and concepts presented in the first part. The four cases are: (1) the Iran hostage rescue attempt; (2) the invasion of Grenada; (3) the raid on Libya; and (4) the rescue of the S.S. Mayaquez.