Command and Control at the Operational Level.

With the publication of Field Circular 100-16-1, Theater Army, Army Group, and Field Army Operations, the U.S. Army has explicitly recognized the need to develop doctrine and organizations at the Field Army and Army Group level to provide command and control for the operational level of war. The extant literature and doctrine for command and control at the division level and below is extensive. However, very little material exists on the subject of command and control at the operational level of war, particularly with regard to the execution of the AirLand Battle doctrine. Historically, World War II provides a wealth of well documented material on Field Army and Army Group operations by the American, German, and Soviet Armies. Research was conducted into the experiences of those three armies with particular emphasis being placed on the exercise of command and control at the corps through army group level. An analytical model was developed that facilitated the process. Results of the historical examination were then extrapolated forward into the doctrinal environment of AirLand Battle to illuminate command and control issues at the operational level. Author