A research study of human decision-making in higher level military command and control

In a paper by Huber (1985), based on the findings of a symposium on Modelling and Analysis of Defence Processes, 1982, once recommendation made is that “major research efforts are required with regard to the human decision-making processes in command and control s approach based on experiments in a realistic decision environment should be pursued.”. This paper reports on two years of such effort, part of a larger programme of study of Naval C³I (Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence). It focuses on the Commander of a Task Force, the nature of his role, his requirements for information, and his need to be able to reflect on his options and their possible military and political consequences. Structured interviews, games and psychological tests are integrated in a continuing experimental programme. Analysis includes the use of cognitive mapping and content analysis. The aim is to determine the sorts of decision aids which might be provided and the use of such aids for training and learning.