For this report, researchers interviewed 48 battalion commanders to provide feedback for the battalion-level Tactical Commanders Development Course (TCDC), which is part of the program of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The interviews focused on training, preparing, and commanding a task force at a combat training center or in Operation Desert Storm. Topics included commander's intent, the planning process, decision support tools, rehearsal techniques, battle drills and formations, training, and leadership. Overall, the commanders rated TCDC very highly. They offered advice, described techniques they developed, and identified problem areas for which they still require guidance. The report should be of interest to battalion-level commanders and staffs and to those engaged in training tactical skills at this level.

"The School for Command Preparation, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS provides three sequential courses for battalion and brigade command selectees. All command designees attend the PreCommand Course (PCC). PCC provides common understanding of current doctrine, and up-to-date information on Army-wide policy, programs and special items of interest. In conjunction with PCC, spouses are invited to attend the Command Team Seminar (CTS). With commanders, they gain awareness of issues that impact families, the unit, and the community. The remaining two courses, the Tactical Commanders' Development Course (TCDC), and the Battle Commanders' Development Course (BCDC) emphasize warfighting skills and the art of battle command for tactical leaders. The Fort Leavenworth Research Unit developed a survey instrument to obtain commanders' assessment of courses following assignment to their commands. Commanders who had attended these courses in the previous 2 years were solicited for feedback. They gauged the usefulness of topics presented, and indicated their level of agreement with statements regarding the courses. They were asked what issues they felt were not addressed during the course and what they would share with incoming commanders. Responses (N=254) were compiled and analyzed. All courses received positive evaluations. Many commanders desired discussions with experienced commanders to cover OPTEMPO, resource constraints, and personnel management issues. Feedback provided useful suggestions and current trends."--DTIC.

The School for Command Preparation, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS provides three sequential courses for battalion and brigade command selectees. All command designees attend the PreCommand Course (PCC). PCC provides common understanding of current doctrine, and up-to- date information on Army-wide policy, programs and special items of interest. In conjunction with PCC, spouses are invited to attend the Command Team Seminar (CTS). With commanders, they gain awareness of issues that impact families, the unit, and the community. The remaining two courses, the Tactical Commanders' Development Course (TCDC), and the Battle Commanders' Development Course (BCDC) emphasize warfighting skills and the art of battle command for tactical leaders. The Fort Leavenworth Research Unit developed a survey instrument to obtain commanders' assessment of courses following assignment to their commands. Commanders who had attended these courses in the previous 2 years were solicited for feedback. They gauged the usefulness of topics presented, and indicated their level of agreement with statements regarding the courses. They were asked what issues they felt were not addressed during the course and what they would share with incoming commanders. Responses (N=254) were compiled and analyzed. All courses received positive evaluations. Many commanders desired discussions with experienced commanders to cover OPTEMPO, resource constraints, and personnel management issues. Feedback provided useful suggestions and current trends.

"Essential elements of superior war fighting include tactical planning and battle command. This report reviews research on the human dimension of tactical planning. By aggregating what is known about human styles and capabilities, the Army will be better able to enhance battle command performance. Available research is reviewed and organized into 10 categories. Individual difference research is reviewed that addresses level of expertise, rank, military student populations, and cognitive ability. Findings on the estimate procedures include failure to follow procedures, imprecise procedures, inflexibility of procedures, and excessive time demands. Management of the process covers lack of involvement of staff and commander and poor process management. Information exchange discusses problems in information use, presenting plans to the commander, and communicating interpretations. Battle success relates procedural performance to outcome measures. The other categories address the functions performed in the command and control C2 cycle. " -- Abstract.