What is an Officer in Tactical Command?

Introduction In NATO, the officer in tactical command (OTC) is the naval officer exercising tactical command of a group of ships in a tactical formation such as a task unit, task group, or task force. Outline Ships travelling together on a specific mission might have one of the commanding officers designated OTC. On occasion, an… Read More

What is Command by Negation?

Introduction Command by negation is a military command and control doctrine – a hybrid of command by direction and command by influence. Commonly found in the United States Navy, particularly in independent commands at sea, the doctrine is based on individual officers using their own initiative to execute actions unless the reported action receives a… Read More

What is Mission Command?

Introduction Mission command, also referred to as mission-type tactics, is a style of military command, derived from the Prussian-pioneered mission-type tactics doctrine, which combines centralised intent with decentralised execution subsidiarity and promotes freedom and speed of action, and initiative, within defined constraints (also refer to military strategy and military tactics). Subordinates, understanding the commander’s intentions,… Read More

What is Mission-Type Tactics?

Introduction Mission-type tactics (German: Auftragstaktik, from Auftrag and Taktik; also known as mission command in the US and UK) is a form of military tactics in which the emphasis is placed on the outcome of a mission rather than the specific methods. Mission-type tactics have been a central component of the military tactics of German… Read More

What is the Joint Consultation, Command and Control Information Exchange Data Model?

Introduction Joint Consultation, Command and Control Information Exchange Data Model (JC3IEDM) is a model that, when implemented, aims to enable the interoperability of systems and projects required to share Command and Control (C2) information. JC3IEDM is an evolution of the C2IEDM standard that includes joint operational concepts, just as the Land Command and Control Information… Read More

What is Battle Management Language?

Introduction A Battle Management Language (BML) is the unambiguous language used to command and control forces and equipment conducting military operations and to provide for situational awareness and a shared, common operational picture. Outline It can be seen as a standard digitised representation of a commander’s intent to be used for real troops, for simulated… Read More

What is Command and Control?

Introduction Command and control (abbr. C2) is a “set of organizational and technical attributes and processes … [that] employs human, physical, and information resources to solve problems and accomplish missions” to achieve the goals of an organisation or enterprise, according to a 2015 definition by military scientists Marius Vassiliou, David S. Alberts, and Jonathan R.… Read More