Battle command: tactical decision-making in the information age.

The monograph discusses the Army's adoption of information technology to support its Force XXI concept. The central question is: Will the adoption of emerging information technology improve a commander's ability to exercise battle command in future operations. Battle command represents a central theme in emerging US Army doctrine. It links information technology with how the Army intends to conduct operations in the future. The monograph first examines the dynamic world environment and that predicted for the future to understand the conditions under which commanders will operate in the future. It then examines the Force XXI concept to draw the connection between the environment and how the Army is evolving to remain a capable force in the future. The monograph then analyzes battle command and determines the critical battle command characteristics. It examines the accepted definition and other areas to include command methods and the concept of a shared vision. The analysis aids in the development of criteria in which to evaluate a battle command system that supports the commander. The monograph then examines the Army Battle Command System under development using these criteria. Finally, the monograph suggests alternative approaches to enhance a commander's ability to exercise battle command.