

Command and control can be characterized as a dynamic human decision making process. A technological perspective of Command and control has led system designers to propose solutions such as decision support and information fusion to overcome many of the domain problems. This and the lack of knowledge in cognitive engineering have in the past jeopardized the design of helpful computerized aids aimed at complementing and supporting human cognitive tasks. Moreover, this lack of knowledge has most of the time created new trust problems in designed tools, and human in the loop concerns. Solving the command and control problem requires balancing the human factor perspective with that of the system designer and coordinating the efforts in designing a cognitively fitted system to support decision-makers. This paper discusses critical issues in the design of computer aids by which the decision-maker can better understand the situation in his area of operations, select a course of action, issue intent and orders, monitor the execution of operations and evaluate the results. These aids will support decision-makers to cope with uncertainty and disorder in warfare and to exploit people or technology at critical times and places so as to ensure success in operations.