The author introduces basic definitions, functions, and processes of command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I). He develops a conceptual model of the combat operations process based on the American approach to war. The study investigates the stochastic nature of combat operations and develops a guide to effective command. Major Orr concludes that a distributed C3I architecture designed to exploit the unpredictability of combat is best suited to the true nature of combat and the strengths of American fighting units. (Air University Press originally published this book in 1983 as Research Report No. AU-ARI-82-5 by Air University Press.) [George E. Orr / 2001 / 122 pages / ISBN: 1-58566-102-3 / AU Press Code: B-82]