COMBINED SERVICES CHERATIONS ROOM
III.
Page 4. CONFIDENTIAL
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Size:
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It is apparent that the Combined Services Orerations Room is too small and that some arrangements will have to be made for obtaining a larger room/s, preferably on the ground floor. If the RAF had had their full layout working, nobody else would have had room to move.
Security:
The guarding of the CSHQ building was unsatisfactory. However important this building is to the Army, it is of vital importance to the Royal Navy, and the Camp Commandant must check the security arrangements very carefully. Both HMG "COSSACK" and the Field Security Section can give him assistance in discovering the weak- nesses. Full recommendations for improvement will be forwarded to "G" Branch by 1 Feb 49.
Duty Rosters:
It is unfortunate that very few Army Staff Officers at CSHQ have had war experience of Headquarters work. This meant that many small matters of Staff Duties, such as the correct method of running a Duty Roster, were not understood.
Many of these are covered under the Bection devoted to Staff Duties. The main point is that only by means of practise will these Officers learn.
Further instructions on this matter will be issued by "G" Eranch. Visiting:
The need for Staff Officers visiting units in the field cannot be overstressed.
Inquisitiveness:
Early on there were complaints from some Officers that they were not getting copies of certain messages. One of the obiects of the War Room is to save unnecessary paper and it is the duty of Staff Officers to visit the War Room from time to time in order that they may keep themselves up to date. "Visitors" with no particular
job to do who are just "swänning" will not be allowed in the Far Room, but will be briefed as necessary by GS (I) in the Information Rocm.
Conclusion:
The Headquarters suffered from having Senior Staff Officers "running" the Exercise which gave them little time to teach and supervise their juniors. The conception of the Combined Headquarters is sound, but much practise is required in its operation.
The G.0.C.'s office is NCT a suitable location, it is too small. In any case by taking this room the only proper Ceference Room is sacrificed.