R. Esc. Guerra Nav., Rio de Janeiro, v. 25, n. 3, p. 561-586. setembro/dezembro. 2019.
ARTIGO
COMMAND AND CONTROL IN
AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS:
THE LESSONS OF HISTORY
Ian Speller
1
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the history of command and control
in amphibious operations. It explores a number of case
studies in order to identify and illustrate some enduring
challenges and to analyse the extent to which alternative
approaches to command may have mitigated or exacerbated
these. The case studies focus on examples from the Anglo-
American experience in the twentieth century, but the aim
is to draw conclusions with wider relevance. The paper
identies that three general approaches to command and
control developed over the centuries; namely, co-equal
command without the appointment of a commander in
chief, unied command with one overall commander, and
command by one service. The impact of these dierent
systems is explored with reference to operations at Narvik
(1940), Guadalcanal (1942), Normandy (1944) and the
Falklands/Malvinas (1982). The paper examines the notion
of ‘paramount interest’ and explores how this relates to the
current concept of supported and supporting commanders.
It concludes by discussing current NATO doctrine and
noting the importance of an in-theatre joint commander
with the authority and understanding to enable them to
control and coordinate the activities of dierent force
elements.
Keywords: Command and Control. Amphibious.
Marines. Joint Opeations.
1
Doutor. Maynooth University, Irlanda. E-mail: ian.speller@nuim.ie / Orcid: hp://orcid.
org/0000-0002-3381-9202
DOI 10.21544/1809-3191.v25n3.p561-586
