TNAG-1941-FCO40-2767-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 111

SECRET UK EYES A

tactical basing options, and EFA because of its multi-rôle capabilities, which might reduce both the size of the force required and the support facilities needed.

COMMAND AND CONTROL

48.

Any command structure will need to be flexible, to enable it to be tailored to fit the circumstances, while retaining a core of expertise and experience to enable it to respond swiftly. In theatre, it will need to be able to function both vertically, from MOD to the point of engagement, and

laterally, with host nations and allies. The arrangements will also have to a take into account that despite advances in C31, land operations will not normally be amenable to the sort of distant central direction which is a characteristic of the

air, and to an increasing extent of the sea.

49. Higher Command Developments The introduction of PINDAR

will improve significantly the ability of MOD to direct operations. It is therefore likely in small-scale or low- intensity military situations 00A that MOD will be in

communication with the commander in the field. However, MOD is not structured to function as an operational HQ, and if there is a need for a major deployment there will probably come a time when CDS will require to nominate an overall 4- star commander from the existing UK Cs-inc. Of these, CINCFLEET and AOC-in-C STC are able by virtue of their normal functions to conduct operations 00A, while C-in-C UKLF's facilities, though primarily designed for home defence, will be adequate to command land forces. The decision is therefore

likely to be based on the emphasis of the operations in

prospect.

50. 2-Star Command Developments It would be advantageous if there were to be, at the 2-star level, a permanently

mb.1s2

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UK EYES A SECRET