Tactical Automation On the Battlefield: Who Is In Control?

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Army has developed and adequately articulated a doctrine for the employment of the automated Maneuver Control System MCS. Although MCS has been fielded in three U.S. Corps and taken to war, there is little guidance for its use in doctrinal publications. This study analyzes Army command and control doctrine against six criteria publications, training systems, personnel policies, fielding strategies, sustainment experiences, and tactical use of technology. The study determines that the Army has been hesitant to incorporate MCS into command and control doctrine. Emerging Army doctrine is confused as to exactly where automation fits into the command and control system. Some doctrinal publications present MCS as the system itself, while others portray it as the commanders tool in the command and control facility. The study concludes that the intentional evolutionary fielding process for MCS has resulted in a doctrinal delay. Foremost among the implications of this study is how fast and comprehensively the Army can articulate doctrine for MCS. This speed and comprehensiveness will be determined by the degree of top level support MCS receives. Automation, Command and Control, Maneuver Control System.