Page 60 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
Disorder

Disorder is also another attribute of war especially due to the environment
of friction, uncertainty and fluidity. It is a fact that due to the intensity
of the war, set plans will be ineffective, instructions and information will
be distorted, misunderstood and communication will be failed resulting
mistakes and unpredicted events will take over the arranged plans.

The contemporary naval battlefields are particularly disorder due to the
fact of range, lethality of modern weapons and composition of fighting
power. However, advance communication technology with information
technology, the disorder could be limited and achieved positive control. 22

Disorder in naval battlefields may lead to unoccupied areas, gaps and
exposed flanks for enemy to exploit. Hence, it is required to impose
a general framework which influences the flow of action rather than
controlling of each event. However, we cannot eliminate the disorder
and we must fight effectively in a disorderly environment. It is also vital
to generate disorder and use it as a weapon against our enemy.

Complexity

War in its nature is a complex affair. In the Navy, fighting force comprises
with different units or squadrons and requires close cooperation with
each individual unit for the accomplishment of the common goal. At the
same time, each unit has its own mission and must adapt to its own
situation. Thereby, each unit acts with friction, uncertainty, and disorder
with friendly and enemy forces.
23
War is not governed by individual actions or individual decisions at
sea. Collective behaviour and multiple actions will decide the success
or failure of the military action. Therefore, military action necessarily
involves interrelated decisions and actions among all the units take part
throughout the operation. 24

42 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea