Towards a Science of Command and Control (C2)

This paper addresses the question what is the Science of Command and Control C2 by first defining three key perspectives that cover that which comprises C2 Command Arrangements, Command and Command Support Systems. The paper examines the system-level properties of these three perspectives in combination, drawing the important conclusion that Command and Control cannot be understood by attempting to decompose the field into individual components. The paper then analyses the concept of a science of C2 by extracting the core components of a science an organised body of knowledge and the processes of acquiring and applying that body of knowledge. In addition to these, the paper recognises the role that the application of the science plays in advancing the state of understanding of C2. The paper then uses the definition of the science of C2 to formulate a general matrix for understanding C2 research programs. The paper closes by studying examples of extant research placed in this matrix. The result is a comprehensive definition of the science of C2 and a tool for understanding C2 research.