# command post

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/command-post
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

a main office or base where a leader or a small group of people gives orders and controls a situation. It is often used in the military or by emergency services during a crisis.

For teachers: a headquarters or central location from which a commander or person in authority oversees and directs operations. Usually established as a temporary or mobile field office during tactical maneuvers or emergency responses.

## Examples

- The general set up a command post near the front line.
- During the forest fire, the police used a mobile command post to coordinate the evacuation of the nearby towns.
- Advanced communication technology allows the modern command post to remain miles away from the theater of operations while still maintaining real-time tactical oversight of every individual unit.

## Usage notes

- Often shortened to 'CP' in military contexts; frequently used with verbs like 'establish', 'set up', or 'man'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.