MISSION COMMAND: A HUMAN RESPONSE TO THE REVOLUTION IN MILITARY AFFAIRS
MISSION COMMAND: A HUMAN RESPONSE TO THE REVOLUTION IN MILITARY AFFAIRS

Summary/Abstract: A recent American publication on mission command philosophy states that “mission command is the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders in the conduct of unified land operations”1. In the light of NATO understanding of mission command, the American definition seems to be more restrictive in terms of decentralisation for effective mission accomplishment, by using “disciplined initiative”, which may not provide enough room for improvisation in the unforeseen circumstances of the current operating environment. This article analyses the understanding of mission command philosophy and manoeuvrist approach to operations from three perspectives: NATO, the UK and the US.

• Details
• Contents