Doctrine

Viewing Precise Command Dialectically: Exploring Its Connotations, Characteristics, and Practical Pathways

辩证看待精确指挥，探讨其内涵特点与实践路径

PLA Daily (解放军报) 21 June 2026

Summary

Two PLA authors, Zhu Yelei and Cai Chao, argue in a doctrinal essay that 'precise command' (精确指挥) must be understood dialectically rather than mechanically, warning that over-reliance on information completeness, excessive centralization, and rigid time-node planning can produce decision paralysis, suppressed subordinate initiative, and tempo mismanagement. The article documents an internal tension the PLA is actively working through as it integrates AI and intelligentized systems into command structures: the institutional pull toward centralized, data-driven control conflicts with the operational requirement for decentralized initiative under the fog of war, a problem the force has not resolved and that this piece frames as a live doctrinal risk rather than a settled question.

Translation

Viewing Precise Command Dialectically

■ Zhu Yelei, Cai Chao

With the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence, the methods and means of command in modern warfare are undergoing profound transformation. The leap in combat platform information and decision-support capabilities has made the concept of precise command (精确指挥) highly regarded. However, if the word "precise" is understood and pursued in a mechanical and absolute manner, it may bring risks of decision-making misjudgment and tactical rigidity. Therefore, precise command must be viewed dialectically, and its connotations, characteristics, and practical pathways must be explored in depth.

Refine the granularity of information, but seize the initiative amid uncertainty. Precise command depends on refined mastery of battlefield information. However, the constant emergence of massive amounts of information, the rapid evolution of complex situations, and the fierce confrontation between opposing forces not only cannot fully dispel the fog of war, but may in fact give rise to new forms of fog. At this point, the "precision" that precise command pursues should be a relative precision based on current technological capabilities and available information, not an absolute precision that eliminates all ambiguity. Commanders must therefore maintain a clear-eyed understanding of the dual nature of informational "precision." On one hand, they must make full use of technological means to refine the granularity of information, striving to grasp more and more accurate battlefield details; on the other hand, they must not simply wait for all information to be absolutely complete and clear, but must forge the ability to make resolute decisions when information is incomplete and the situation is unclear, daring and knowing how to seize fleeting opportunities for battle amid uncertainty.

Refine the granularity of command, but grasp the balance point between centralization and decentralization. Modern warfare is a contest of system against system (体系与体系的对抗). The effective implementation of precise command requires commanders, while pursuing finer command granularity, to reasonably grasp the balance between centralized and decentralized command. They must use technological means to achieve precise control over key nodes and key forces, ensuring that operational intent is carried out; at the same time, they must guard against excessive intervention, avoid becoming bogged down in local details, and avoid suppressing the initiative and creativity of subordinate commanders and combat units within the mission framework. Commanders should scientifically set the level of refinement for each command echelon based on the nature of the operational mission, the complexity of the battlefield environment, and the overall capabilities of subordinates, seeking the optimal combination between centralized command that unifies will and decentralized autonomy that unleashes vitality, thereby maximizing operational effectiveness.

Refine the granularity of time, but maintain reasonable control over the operational tempo throughout. Refining the granularity of time means striving for precise control over operational phases and time nodes. Intelligentized (智能化) technology has undoubtedly accelerated the flow of battlefield information and the frequency of offensive-defensive transitions, driving a trend toward an accelerating operational tempo in warfare. Warfighting practice demonstrates that the refined design of time nodes can only truly be converted into operational effectiveness when it is unified with the overall operational tempo. Only by ensuring that reconnaissance, decision-making, maneuver, strike, and sustainment are mutually linked in time and mutually supporting in tempo can sustained and stable system-of-systems effectiveness be generated. Precise command should focus not only on precise planning of time, but also on the overall coordination and tempo rationality of the entire course of combat operations. From a holistic perspective, refining the granularity of time must serve the overall operational objective, pursuing an organic unity of speed and effect. At the same time, commanders must also, through command and control of key actions, actively shape and guide the battlefield tempo, achieving the overall effect of "advancing and withdrawing freely, fast and slow with measure, strong and weak as appropriate, and adapting to circumstances as they arise (进退自如、快慢有度、强弱适当、随机应变)."

Original Chinese

辩证看待精确指挥 ■朱烨雷蔡超随着信息技术和人工智能的迅猛发展，现代战争的指挥方式和手段正经历深刻变革。作战平台信息与决策支持能力的跃迁，令精确指挥理念备受推崇。但是，如果对“精确”二字进行机械化、绝对化的理解和追求，则可能带来决策误判和战术僵化的风险。所以，应辩证看待精确指挥，并深入探讨其内涵特点与实践路径。细化信息颗粒度，但需要在不确定性中把握主动。精确指挥依赖对战场信息的精细化掌握。然而，海量信息的不断涌现、复杂态势的快速演变以及敌我之间的激烈对抗，不仅不能完全驱散战争迷雾，反而可能催生出新的迷雾形式。此时，精确指挥所追求的“精确”，应当是基于当前技术能力和可获取信息的相对精确，而非绝对的、消除一切模糊性的精确。因此，指挥员必须清醒认识到信息“精确”的两面性。一方面，要充分利用技术手段细化信息颗粒度，力求掌握更多更准的战场细节；另一方面，不能一味等待所有信息的绝对完备和清晰，必须锤炼在信息不完备、态势不明朗时果断决策的能力，敢于并善于在不确定性中捕捉转瞬即逝的战机。细化指挥颗粒度，但需要把握集中与分散平衡点。现代战争是体系与体系的对抗，精确指挥的有效实施要求指挥员在追求指挥颗粒度细化的同时，合理把握指挥的集中与分散的平衡之道。既要借助技术手段实现对关键节点、关键力量的精准掌控，确保作战意图的贯彻；又要防止过度干预，避免为局部细节所困、压制下级指挥员和作战单元在任务框架内的主动性与创造性。指挥员应根据作战任务性质、战场环境复杂程度以及下级综合能力，科学设定指挥层级的精细度，在统一意志的集中指挥与激发活力的分散自主之间寻求最佳结合，从而实现作战效能的最大化。细化时间颗粒度，但需要全程合理控制作战节奏。对时间颗粒度的细化，意味着对作战阶段、时间节点都力求精准把控。智能化技术无疑加速了战场信息流转和攻防转换的频率，促使战争的作战节奏呈现加快趋势。战争实践表明，时间节点的精细设计只有与整体作战节奏相统一，才能真正转化为作战效能。只有使侦察、决策、机动、打击、保障等环节在时间上相互衔接、在节奏上相互支撑，才能形成持续稳定的体系效能。精确指挥不仅应关注对时间的精准规划，还应关注作战行动全程的整体协调性与节奏合理性。从全局角度看，细化时间颗粒度必须服务于整体作战目标，追求速度与效果的有机统一。同时，指挥员也需通过对关键行动的指挥控制，主动塑造和引导战场节奏，达成“进退自如、快慢有度、强弱适当、随机应变”的整体效果。