LOCATION OF COMMAND POSTS
In ‘an operation of this nature, the work of all task groups
must be coordinated with the greatest of care.
Consequently, it
is desirable for the task force headquarters and the command posts
of the task groups to be located in close proximity to each other
in order that this coordination may be effected with a minimum loss
of time and effort.
Any avoidable dispersion of the various head=
quarters in a task force creates serious problems of communications,
travel, and logistic support.
Such problems are increased when the
headquarters are located on separate naval vessels because (1) the
ships themselves and their operating personnel require extensive
logistic support, (2) the transaction of official business by
radio communications requires additional personnel to guarantee
an adequate degree of security (3) the large number of radio
channels employed tends to produce interference and (4) dependence
on small boat transportation tends to limit personal contacts between staffs which should work closely together.
In spite of ad-
vantages afforded by the use of surface craft, it is believed that
much can be gained by shore-basing as many elements of the force
as possible.
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Section VIII