Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 6 – Command and Control Practice Exam

Information flow in command and control must be multi-directional. Upward flow delivers feedback, findings, and warnings from subordinate units to higher echelons so leaders truly understand the situation on the ground. Downward flow transmits orders, guidance, and priorities from command to subordinates to steer actions. Horizontal flow keeps adjacent units and staff areas aligned, sharing a common picture and enabling coordinated, synchronized actions across the force. Because effective decision-making depends on timely, relevant data from all levels, limiting information to a single direction breaks feedback loops and degrades situational awareness and speed. With information moving in all directions—up, down, across, and diagonally as needed—the command and control system can maintain a coherent understanding of the battlespace and execute coordinated actions.