A Theory of Enterprise Command and Control

The theory of enterprise command and control (EC2) concerns application of systems science (esp. cybernetics) to the real-time, network-mediated, adaptive and collaborative processes of command (decision) and control. EC2 provides a logical and technical framework for integrating concepts and requirements for network-centric operations within and among commercial enterprises as well as the departments and agencies of the U.S. Federal Government, especially its Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. The term "command and control" refers to governance of tactical and operational activities (e.g. logistics) in military force projection and in civilian domains "decision and control" of enterprise operational (e.g. supply chain) activities. The theory presented here defines and employs the term enterprise C2 (EC2) to management activities in both domains. The theory is concerned with realtime enterprise governance and its requirements for a service-oriented C2 architecture (C2/SOA) capable of improving interoperability between and among interdependent enterprises, business units, departments and agencies, especially within the U.S. Defense Department, the Military Services and allied agencies (governmental and non-governmental, foreign and domestic). Improved interoperability, aided by GIG-mediated net-centric EC2 services, derives from improvements in institutional efficiencies, defined capabilities, speed and agility, collaborative (joint) planning, synchronized execution, shared resource management, group policy compliance, shared situational awareness, improved predictability of effects and scale economics