• Each level from simple to complex (platoon to theater) has its own observation-orientation-decision-action time cycle that increases as we try to control more levels and details of command at the higher levels. Put simply, as the number of events we must consider increases, the longer it takes to observe-orient-decide-act.
• This brings out the idea that faster tempo, or rhythm, at lower levels should work within the slower rhythm but larger pattern at higher levels so that overall system does not lose its cohesion or coherency.
• How do blitzers harmonize these differing tempos/rhythms so that they can exploit the faster rhythm/ smaller pattern (of the lower-level units) yet maintain the coherency of the rhythm/pattern for the larger effort?
• Give lower-level commanders wide freedom, within an overall mind-time-space scheme, to shape/ direct their own activities so that they can exploit faster tempo/rhythm at tactical levels yet be in harmony with the larger pattern/slower rhythm associated with the more general aim and larger effort at the strategic level. Shaping agents
• Shape overall scheme by using mission concept or sense of mission to fix responsibility and shape commitment at all levels and through all parts of the organism. Likewise, use Schwerpunkt concept through all levels to link differing rhythms/patterns so that each part or level of the organic whole can operate at its own natural rhythm—without pulling organism apart—instead of the slower pace associated with a rigid centralized control.