A Reachback Concept for the Future Command Post

Contemporary operations are characterised by more local conflicts, more dynamic circumstances and a less predictable enemy. Besides that, commanders must be able to be present at various locations, because of the involvement of different parties. This requires a more agile command post, supporting distributed command and control. A command post with reachback facilities, in which the commander can co-operate with his staff while being on the move, could meet these demands. However, such a concept has major consequences for aspects of team work, leadership, information support and organisation. This paper describes the results of an experiment with a reachback concept within the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) 43 Brigade staff where the staff was equipped with collaborative tools in a changed organisational context. The results show that the reachback concept is promising, enabling the commander to operate at a distance while maintaining accurate situational awareness. However, improvements, especially in the communication with other staff members, have to be made to be successful during operations. The next step will be to enhance the concept and focus on reachback concepts enabling staff members to co-operate from outside the operational area.