C2 Failures: A Taxonomy and Analysis
Marius S. Vassiliou, David Samuel Alberts · 2013
Abstract : Command and Control (C2) is a function that creates value by mobilizing available information and resources. Although perfect C2 is no guarantee of mission success, C2 shortfalls and failures can adversely impact the ability of organizations to accomplish their missions. We examine 20 situations, including combat operations and responses to terrorist attacks and disasters, that have been characterized as experiencing C2 failures of varying degrees of severity. We develop a taxonomy that helps us better understand these failures and their mission impacts. This improved understanding can form the basis of efforts to improve C2, making such failures less likely and mitigating adverse impacts when they occur. We identify three categories of C2 failures: (1) failures attributed to a priori structural defects in C2 approach, or a mismatch between the C2 approach and the mission; (2) failures attributed to an inability to communicate, including a lack of access to appropriate information, individuals, or organizations; and (3) behavioral failures to communicate or interact. Different C2 approaches, of varying degrees of decentralization, may have different failure propensities. For example, a collective that is distributed, but not properly integrated, may sometimes be more adversely affected by communication failures than a traditional hierarchy.