MCDP 6 — Command And Control

MCDP 6 governs Marine Corps command and control through a broad framework for decisions, actions, leadership, and support.

Search MCDP 6

  • Publication number: MCDP 6
  • Title: COMMAND AND CONTROL
  • Date: 4 Oct 1996
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCDP 6 on armypubs.army.mil


MCDP 6 covers the nature and theory of command and control, including leadership, information management, communications, planning, and decisionmaking. It provides broad guidance and authority for developing doctrine, education, training, equipment, facilities, procedures, and organization, while requiring judgment in application.

Applies to: This doctrinal publication applies across the full range of military actions from humanitarian assistance on one extreme to general war on the other.

Topics covered

  • Command and control theory
  • Information management
  • Decisionmaking
  • Leadership
  • Planning
  • Communications
  • Mission command and control
  • Command and control support structure

Questions and answers

Who is responsible for effective command and control?

A main point of this doctrinal publication is that command and control is not the exclusive province of senior commanders and staffs: effective command and control is the responsibility of all Marines. (paragraph 2)

What does MCDP 6 say about technology in command and control?

Since we recognize that equipment is but a means to an end and not the end itself, our doctrine is independent of any particular technology. (paragraph 2)

What kind of action does the command and control doctrine provide for?

Since we recognize the turbulent nature of war, our doctrine provides for fast, flexible, and decisive action in a complex environment characterized by friction, uncertainty, fluidity, and rapid change. (paragraph 2)

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