Command and Control Communications (C3) in Northern Operations

A commander must have the means to control his forces. This is a fact that is understood, but is not easily accomplished. In northern operations, command and control communications is often more difficult to install and maintain than in other areas. Operations in vast, sparsely populated areas with extreme climatic and terrain conditions make the development of a command and control communications network a detailed task. This paper presents some of the factors that must be taken into consideration in system planning. A discussion of the capabilities of different types of communications components lead to the conclusion that radio is the most functional means for operations in a northern theater. However, multichannel radio systems in northern operations must be able to span great distances and operate in extreme conditions. The command and control network should not be limited to doctrinal communications because that limits flexibility in a region that requires flexibility. Examples of the use of commercial communications to extend and provide robustness to the military networks are reviewed to demonstrate the additional capability that they can provide. Automated command and control networks are also examined. Lessons that must be learned in training and equipment preparation round out the paper. The conclusion reached is that once attention is given to the special factors in planning northern operations, and soldiers are trained and prepared for deployment and employment in the northern environment, command and control communications can be as effective in this region as any other.