Tactics, command, leadership

(Axel Boer) #1

Primarily task command manages the organisational element of
the execution of the tasks that are allocated by operational com-
mand. In some cases, however, the situation requires that task
command be handled in different degrees of resolution. In such
cases the superior task command deci sion domain allocates tasks
to subordinate task command decision domains. Task command
can then be arranged in terms of different degrees of resolution and
hierarchical levels.
In conclusion then, we can say that task command manages
and coordinates an organisational element in the execution of
an allocated task. If necessary several task command decision do-
mains can be created. Task command can then operate with dif-
ferent degrees of resolution and it is the need for command that
steers this set up.


Role logic


The appointment of roles at an incident site must be uniform
and clear. When authority is transferred from one comman-
der to another, the definition of roles can become indistinct. It
is, then, necessary to have a well prepared plan for the alloca-
tion of roles, tasks and authority. These should align with the
roles, tasks and authority that normally exist in the organisation.
The conditions for work in connection with emergency response
operations are established at a time when no actual operation is
underway.
Role logic requires that the expectations placed on each
individual at different times are so similar that it is reasonable to
expect the person concerned to cope adequately with them under
the circumstances. In other words the expectations placed must
be logical with respect to the individual and the circumstances.
But role logic also entails that these reasonable role expectations
for individuals should be similar for one and the same person
during different phases of, for example, an emergency response
operation. The limited capacity of people should therefore be
compensated for through shared decision­making. A certain set
of roles for a commander should create reasonable and logical cri-
teria for what can be expected of him or her. The criteria then
on which expectation is based should, for different situations, be
generally the same, in terms of perspective, how concrete they
are, the task content and the time scale. One cannot expect, for
example, a commander, normally of a relatively small unit of say

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