Page 120 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
close cooperation with other government and non-governmental
agencies. Coincident of objectives, doctrine and resources usually result
in synergies and force multiplication.

The principle of Cooperation was present throughout
Operation OVERLOAD from the planning to the execution
of the operation.

This concept was embedded in General Eisenhower’s
mind when he became the Supreme Commander of
the European Campaign and specifically for Operation
OVERLORD he made sure it was present in all aspects; this
is clearly evident in the command and control structure he
established.

Cooperation was also demonstrated in subordinate
echelons during planning and execution. An example is
in the Supreme Commander’s designation of General
Montgomery to command all Armies (British, Canadian
and US) for the initial phase of the operation and when
the German Seventh Army exposed themselves to be
trapped when they attempted to counterattack to cut the
Allies off in the Avranches. General Montgomery was able
to take advantage of their mistake because he had unity
of command. The objective of seizing Brittany ports was
delayed to take advantage of the situation. General Bradley
communicated with Field General Montgomery, who was
still responsible for direction of operation pending the time
the Supreme Commander took over Tactical Command
on the continent. Bradley outlined his scheme with which
the Field Marshal at once agreed. Plans where promptly
worked out and orders issued. The ring of steel began to
close around the trapped Seventh Army. In a retrospective
look at the command and control organisation, it would be
seen today as a lead nation and functional type command
and control.

102 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea