"Medieval and Modern C2: Command and Control...." Topic

…. in the Field during Western Europe's Long Twelfth Century (1095–1225).

"‘Command and control' has become ever more important in the postmodern military world even though there is no universal consensus among contemporary militaries on what ‘command and control' encompasses. Military histories, manuals and handbooks of the Anglo-American world concede that classical armies and leaders understood the concepts but dismiss eras like the long twelfth century entirely or present them with a lack of understanding or context. Why is this? This can be partially answered through the following factors: (1) the nature of ancient vs. medieval source material; (2) perceived lack of professionalism in medieval armies; (3) the existence of discrete tactical formations in the ancient world but not medieval; (4) the perceived existence of a professional officer class or political career in the ancient world but not the medieval; and (5) the nature of ancient and medieval authority and strategic, operational and tactical objectives. Twelfth-century commanders exhibited command and control although they faced different challenges compared to their ancient or modern counterparts."
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Amicalement
Armand

Command and Control is a process. (In ANY period.) It consists of 5 elements:
1. Commanding element (Your leader….any level of command, this all works)
2. Commanded element(s).
3. Downward flow of communications.
4. Upward flow of communications. (In most games this is instant….in reality, time and distance comes into play..)
5. Friction at all levels.

Another way to look at this is what I call "Unit Cohesion"-Defined as the unit's leadeship's ability to maintain control over the unit." Again can be applied in any period of history. Once you can wrap your head around those two concepts, things begin to make sense when reading historical accounts of battles a little more.

Of course, Armand, I'd love to know your thoughts on the matter since you must have found it interesting enough to post the article here.

Thanks in advance.
Tom

Thanks for your guidance….

No thoughts because I don't wargame Medievals….

I found interesting enought for fellow members like you….

Amicalement
Armand