ABSTRACT
Armed forces of whatever size and quality are effective in battle only to the extent that they can be directed and controlled to carry out a coherent operational plan. Insufficient information about Pact electronic equipment bars a reliable comparison of electronic warfare capabilities. Combat operations have traditionally been directed against opponents' armed forces, logistical structure, or in the 20th century against national economies and civil populations. Efforts continue in both alliances to protect electronic communication and radar against electronic countermeasures (ECM). Each army and tactical air force has developed electronic counter-countermeasures, or communication procedures and technical devices to protect against ECM. Air and ground communication equipment in both alliances is fragile and can be destroyed physically. The Pact's problem of intelligence and control is compounded by the likely failure of some communications, by probable jamming and by destruction, since North Atlantic Treaty Organization can be expected to assign Pact command centers high priority as targets.
