Right Place at the Right Time

This monograph discusses considerations that a tactical commander should make in determining his position during an engagement, and from these considerations suggests criteria that should guide his decision. The tactical commander is a significant combat multiplier, by virtue of his rank and experience, and his placement on the battlefield deserves the same care that is given to the overall task organization. The commander’s position is a significant element in the command and control scheme. It affects his ability to know what is going on and influence the combat action in accordance with his will. The monograph first examines a series of historical examples from World Wars I and II, in which the tactical commander’s position figured prominently in the outcome of the battle. From these examples, a number of considerations for selection of the tactical commander’s position are derived. Then it examines the principal differences between historical and contemporary combat environments and what these differences suggest for the contemporary tactical commander in choosing his position on the battlefield. Next, it examines a series of contemporary combat and training examples, to refine or confirm previously determined considerations. As part of the conclusion, the paper offers a synthesis between criteria suggested by both historical and contemporary examples. Given a consistent set of considerations for the tactical commander’s position selection, the paper examines implications that the conclusion has for current doctrine, equipment design, and training. With a 'go to war with what we’ve got' view, the paper suggests several areas of training in which a greater awareness of the importance of position selection might readily be implemented.12/20/1986This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.