Tactical Intuition's Role and Relevance to Combat Commanders in the Future Force.

There is a strong institutional push in the Army today emphasizing technology and systematic command processes over human ability as keys to battlefield supremacy. This argument discounts the historically vital role of the ground tactical commander, his abilities, and his intuition. Increased tactical mobility, greater accuracy and lethality of weapon systems, digitization, improved situational awareness through reliable and advanced sensors, and near real-time information will all force some change in the manner in which we command forces in battles. The science of the military profession is truly changing rapidly. Nevertheless, one common historical thread during periods of military change has been the steadfast importance of the commanders mind. The importance of a tactical commanders intuition is well precedented throughout the history of war, including periods of profound evolutionary or revolutionary military change. Our recent history highlights the absolute importance of the commanders cognitive and intuitive abilities in battle command, including the skills of visualization and situational awareness in uncertain and ambiguous environments. In the minds of some senior officers and forward thinking scholars, however, future organizational and operational changes may negate its level of importance.