Analysis of Command and Control Doctrine for the Infantry Battalion During the Attack

Success on the battlefield relies heavily on an effective command and control system through which the commander coordinates fire and maneuver to apply the decisive combat power at the critical place and time. This study focuses on the command and control system in use by infantry battalions during the attack in an attempt to determine whether or not there is a requirement for new or modified doctrinal guidance on which the commander can base the establishment of his command and control system. Existing doctrine is compared to current practices in an effort to determine how closely they match and whether current practices are functional from a higher echelon's functional perspective. A survey of personnel who have served in key positions in infantry battalions was made with the intent of providing the data base on which to draw conclusions concerning current practices in the field. When synthesized with information gleaned from doctrinal materials, the major conclusion was that new doctrine was in fact required and was further addressed under specific recommendations as to where and in what circumstances the doctrine should apply.