The DoD defines “continuity of command” as “the degree or state of being continuous in the exercise of the authority vested in an individual of the armed forces for the direction, coordination, and control of military forces.”
The key words are “continuous … exercise of authority.” It assumes its successful exercise. A good example of continuity of command was the Petraeus/Odierno combination in Iraq at the time of the surge. They were there for a few years together and Gen. Odierno looks like he’ll be closing it out.
Recommended Stories
Print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account
Digital subscriber? Click here to login/register your account.