The next generation tactical networks will be based on mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). These networks require as well a stable clustered network structure as an efficient channel assignment optimization method. Efficient spatial channel reuse provides network scalability and high spectral efficiency. In this paper, a centralized clustering algorithm scheme based on ant colony optimization (ACO) is suggested for forming clusters and assigning channels to clusters. Ant colony optimization (ACO) is used to select the cluster heads in an as advantageous way as possible. A multi-objective function is designed to maximize the stability and scalability, minimize the number of clusters and inter-cluster interference power. The suggested algorithms are evaluated for numerous scenarios. Particularly, the performance of ACO-based clustering algorithm is compared with other clustering algorithms.