What is the relationship between operational art and C2?

• A. Operational art replaces C2 in complex battles.
• B. C2 and operational art are unrelated disciplines.
• C. C2 provides the means to implement the operational art—link ends, ways, and means across warfighting functions.
• D. Operational art is a subset of C2 that deals with communications only.

Answer: (C)

Operational art is about shaping and synchronizing actions across time and space to achieve strategic and operational ends. Command and Control provides the framework commanders use to direct, coordinate, and move those actions. C2 provides the means to implement the operational art—linking ends, ways, and means across the warfighting functions so that what you intend to achieve (ends) is translated into coordinated actions (ways) using available resources (means) in the proper tempo and sequence. This requires clear intent, timely decision-making, and effective information flow that empowers units to act in concert with the overall plan. In short, operational art defines what needs to be done; C2 is the system and process that makes doing it possible across the force.