"Concept, Algorithm, Decision" is the sixth volume in the "Soviet Military Thought" series translated and published under the auspices of the United States Air Force. Soviet military writings assert that the "revolution in military affairs" is currently in its third phase. Having acquired nuclear weapons, and the man to deliver them, the current phase is concerned with military cybernetics-the science of effectively controlling the armed forces. The motivating thesis of this book is that recent dramatic increases in the speed, complexity, and data base of military decisions, plus multiplication of variety and flexibility of available options, call for urgent improvement in decision making tools for the control of men and weapons. The stated goal of the book is to "contributeàto the development of the theory and technique of decision making," with particular reference to the problems of automating the control and management of military operations. The book is structured in three parts: Method, Means and Technology. "Method" covers conceptual models of thinking; the distinction between informational decisions, organizational decisions, and operational decisions in a military group dynamics of the decision making process; and limitations of unaided intellect. The "Means" part addresses a variety of formal aids to decision making. The "Technology" section is devoted to computer technology-its intrinsic capabilities and modes of use for military decision making. "Concept, Algorithm, Decision" is an attempt to integrate ideas from philosophy, psychology, social science, mathematics, and linguistics into the technical and theoretical armory of the military commander and his staff.

Added t.p. in Russian. Translation of Ideëiìa, algorithm, reshenie.

Part I. Method. Model of thought -- Classification of decisions -- Information of decisions -- Organizational decisions -- Operational decisions -- Collective activity -- Ideal system and real capabilities / Part II. Means. Language -- Formalization -- Theory of operations / Part III. Technology. Computer systems -- Means of interaction -- Data retrieval systems -- Automation complex.