While we can certainly maneuver at the tactical, operational and strategic levels faster than ever, we must always balance the lightning speed of the information-processing technologies that drive our command, control, communications and intelligence systems with the real world, where there still remain soldiers, mud, gear boxes and crankshafts. Unity of Command . For every objective, seek unity of command and unity of effort. If there is one singular principle that IT has had a resoundingly positive impact on, it is unity of command. The National Command Authority can almost instantaneously reach the theater commander.
Corps commanders can similarly reach division commanders, who can reach their maneuver commanders.
From the commander in chief to the squad leader, modern technology creates a seemingly unbroken electronic connection which ensures that all actions and orders are nested in a common intent and potentially carried out with singular purpose. Having said this, we know by experience that rarely do all the electrons cooperate in such a synergistic manner. However, even with all of its imperfections and vulnerabilities, IT presents today's commanders with the greatest opportunity for unity of command in the history of organized warfare. The critical element of IT and unity of command is redundancy . Often the operations tempo and complexity reflect, assume and demand the robust C 2 capabilities IT promises to deliver.