Battlefield Automation:

Army Needs to Determine Command and Control Priorities and Costs

NSIAD-94-12, Nov 19, 1993

Contact:

Louis J. Rodrigues
(202) 512-4841
contact@gao.gov

 

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

GAO reviewed the Army's action plan to redesign its command and control systems (ACCS) to determine how it affects the requirements for command and control systems and procedures.

GAO found that the: (1) Army has recognized that major changes are needed in post-Cold War command and control systems to support a versatile, downsized force; (2) Army's action plan does not prioritize the issues that would restructure ACCS or identify the impact of cost increases or savings associated with the plan; (3) Army has not fully determined the plan's effect on command and control system requirements; and (4) Force Protection Army Command and Control Action Plan will give the Army the capability to meet future command and control requirements.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendations for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Secretary of the Army prioritizes the command and control issues of the Force Projection Army Command and Control Action Plan. The results of these efforts could then be used to focus limited funding to the appropriately sequenced critical issues.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: DOD fully concurred with the recommendation. The Army has completed or is pursuing corrective actions. A nonfinancial accomplishment report was submitted for processing on April 19, 1994, and approved August 9, 1994.

    Recommendation: The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Secretary of the Army determines the cost impact of the Force Projection Army Command and Control Action Plan. The results of these efforts could then be used to focus funding to the appropriately sequenced critical issues.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: DOD fully concurred with the recommendation. A nonfinancial accomplishment report was submitted for processing on April 19, 1994, and approved August 9, 1994.