In tactical networks the presence of a central controller (e.g., a base station) is made impractical by the unpredictability of the nodes' positions and by the fact that its presence can be exploited by hostile entities. As a consequence, self-configuring networks are sought for military and emergency communication networks. In such networks, the transmission parameters, most notably the transmission channel and the power level, are set by the devices following specific behavioural rules. In this context, an algorithm for self-configuring wireless networks is presented, analysed and enhanced to meet the specific needs of tactical networks. Such an algorithm, based on the concept of trial and error, is tested under static and mobile situations, and different metrics are considered to show its performance. In particular, the stability and performance improvements with respect to previously proposed versions of the algorithm are detailed.