Joint Doctrine Publication 5 Command and Control Issued by: Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands Lay-out: Graphics Service | Defence Audiovisual Service | The Hague Pictures: Defence Audiovisual Service Contact: Netherlands Defence StaD, Doctrine Branch,
[email protected] Joint Doctrine Publication 5 Command and Control ! Joint Doctrine Publication 0 Foreword by the Chief of Defence Joint Doctrine Publication 5: Command and Control is the first publication to address a specific subject at joint level as a supplement to the Netherlands Defence Doctrine. So why a publication about ‘command and control’? There are several reasons for this. Command is the cement which binds the various building blocks of military operations. It gives form and direction to the various capacities and assets and determines how they will be arranged and employed. Without a robust command, even the best personnel and equipment cannot be employed effectively. It is essential to have a common starting point for the Netherlands armed forces when it comes to command and control. Operations are increasingly conducted in a joint or combined context, and although each of the different Services has its own culture, there must be no need for discussion about the method of command. The basis in this respect is mission command, for which this publication provides the required starting point. Despite the fact that high-grade technology can lead to vast improvements in quality, command is first and foremost carried out by people. Central in command at every level is , the commander, who has leadership qualities and military proficiency, who has manage- ment and diplomatic skills and who is also an ambassador for the Netherlands.