Repeatability

The Great Repeatable Model

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day—conventional line-of-battle approach, training in close-

order combat, and signaling systems among ships. How-

ever, the line of battle typically extended beyond the horizon

of sight. During the confusion and smoke of battle, and the

destruction of masts, communication became worse than

unreliable. Nelson’s solution to this problem was to spend so

much time training his crews that each boat became a repeat-

able replica of his thinking and behaviors. In fact, he met with

them so frequently that he named them his “band of brothers.”

As a result, he could trust his subordinates to act as he would,

rather than relying on cumbersome command and control tac-

tics. Though they appeared to be separate, ...