Describe the flow of plans and orders in C2.

• A. Plans are issued by one commander with no staff input; execution never checked.
• B. Plans are developed by staff; orders disseminate to subordinates; execution is monitored, with feedback loops for adjustments.
• C. Orders are generated by subordinate units and flow upward.
• D. Plans and orders are identical and interchangeable.

Answer: (B)

In C2, planning is carried out by the staff under the commander's guidance to turn intent into a coherent approach. Once the plan is ready and approved, orders are issued down to subordinates, translating the plan into concrete tasks and authorities for execution. As operations unfold, the situation is continuously monitored through reports and assessments, and feedback loops are used to adjust either the plan or the orders as conditions change. This top-down flow with bottom‑up feedback keeps actions synchronized and aligned with the commander's intent. The alternative that plans come from a single commander with no staff input misses the collaborative planning process; having subordinate units generate orders upwards reverses the flow; and treating plans and orders as identical neglects their distinct roles in guiding and issuing directives.