combatmanagement

Combat management refers to the set of processes, people, and technologies used to plan, direct, and control military forces and assets during operations. It encompasses command and control functions, sensor integration, fire control, logistics, and communications to maintain situational awareness and coordinate actions across units and platforms. In many contexts, combat management is implemented through a combat management system (CMS) or similar command and control network.

Core components typically include an integrated data fusion layer that aggregates information from diverse sensors and platforms, decision-support tools to assist command decisions, a robust communications backbone, and engagement interfaces that connect to weapon systems. The aim is to provide a coherent picture of the battlespace, enable rapid decision making, and execute plans with coordinated fires, movement, and support.

Combat management spans multiple domains, including naval warfare where CMS integrates radars, sonars, and missiles; air defense systems that coordinate interceptor fires; and ground operations that synchronize maneuver, fires, and logistics. In addition, modern combat management concepts have applicability in disaster response and other high-stakes environments that require fast, coordinated action under uncertainty.

Operationally, combat management follows a continuous observe–orient–decide–act cycle, translating sensor data into actionable commands while maintaining resilience against disruption. Automation and decision-support tools help filter information and propose courses of action, but human oversight remains common to validate critical decisions and manage rules of engagement.

Technologies shaping combat management include data links, interoperability standards, and battle management software, with growing use of artificial intelligence to assist analysis and planning. Security, reliability, and resilience are essential, given the contested and potentially degraded nature of modern environments. Training, doctrine, and exercises underpin proficiency in applying combat management in real-world scenarios.