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So what do you know? Explain your answer.
Posted in these groups: 
Doctrine
Mission Command
Doctrine Mission Command
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 5
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Mission Command is art. Command and Control is science. The practice of mission command is philosophy of action, not numbers and distances. There has been a poison spread throughout the Army that Mission Command encompasses all things relating to Command, and we've thrown the intellectual baby out with the bath water on this one. People talk about "Mission Command Systems." There are no such animals. There are "Command and Control Systems," which are used by staff officers and Commanders to share information and gain situational awareness and understanding. There was and still is much confusion, but I cleared it up with my Squadron's officers by laying it out like I did above. I can throw the doctrinal definitions at you all day long, but I find the simplest answer is best when confronting this doctrinal SNAFU. The ART of Mission Command and the SCIENCE of Command and Control.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I will cycle back with questions really insightful post. It is late but I find your insights as something I want to spend time understanding.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Sir, I learned the Art of Command and Science of Control where still valid though the reference for Command and Control has disappeared. I was told C & C had been erased because some commanders were not addressing them together. I.E. the Commander giving his vision for (hypothetical) a unit that can penetrate deep into enemy's area of support, identify safe houses and conduct raids on caches and training facilities; and his need for information from the staff for info regarding likely training camps; and PIR that indicates enemy trafic patterns to and from supply points.
But what you are saying, if I understanding you correctly is this is a convoluted confussion of three differnet concepts: mission command as a philosophy, mission command as a warfighting function, and the art of command and science of control.
If so I agree and confusing mess it can all be if you try to over think or over simplify.
But what you are saying, if I understanding you correctly is this is a convoluted confussion of three differnet concepts: mission command as a philosophy, mission command as a warfighting function, and the art of command and science of control.
If so I agree and confusing mess it can all be if you try to over think or over simplify.
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COL (Join to see)
In a way, yes. The term "Mission Command," as I stated in response to CSM (Join to see), is completely unnecessary, and adds a dimension to this conversation that adds confusion. Command and Control is enough. Art and science...or philosophy and science.
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It is like leadership, but an art and a science. You need to know the science, but the art is where the individuality shines through... or not.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Should be an "other" category as they blend into mission command.
Command is an art - "the skillful and creative exercise of authority through timely decision making and leadership"
Control is a science - "regulation of forces and WFFs to accomplish the mission IAW the commanders intent"
In order to successfully implement mission command you and your subordinate leaders must understand and apply the principles of mission command at every level.
- Build cohesive teams through mutual trust
- Create a shared understanding
- Provide a clear commander's intent
- Exercise disciplined initiative
- Use mission orders
- Accept prudent risk
If you just spout about mission command but do not educate your subordinates on the philosophy you are spinning the units wheels.
Do art and science blend with mission command, I would say yes but, I would not define mission command as one or the other.
Should be an "other" category as they blend into mission command.
Command is an art - "the skillful and creative exercise of authority through timely decision making and leadership"
Control is a science - "regulation of forces and WFFs to accomplish the mission IAW the commanders intent"
In order to successfully implement mission command you and your subordinate leaders must understand and apply the principles of mission command at every level.
- Build cohesive teams through mutual trust
- Create a shared understanding
- Provide a clear commander's intent
- Exercise disciplined initiative
- Use mission orders
- Accept prudent risk
If you just spout about mission command but do not educate your subordinates on the philosophy you are spinning the units wheels.
Do art and science blend with mission command, I would say yes but, I would not define mission command as one or the other.
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COL (Join to see)
and for everyone out there, the second and third lines of what CSM (Join to see), wrote is the old-school definition that we all learned at the school house.
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MAJ (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) I find your comment well thought as well as COL (Join to see) 's responses. I will cycle back to these this evening. I am interested to continue this conversation this evening when I am on my computer and can devote thought to it. I the meantime I appreciate you sharing your insights. I find Mission Command to be an important but challenging concept. Again thank you.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Mutual trust is the most important piece and as it is given up and down so must it be fostered in both directions.
But what most people miss is if you do not foster it one direction it will not happen the other way. I have heard subordinates and superiors make this mistake.
How can the superior trust you if your subordinates do not and how can your subordniates trust you if your superior does not. Now if you under cut you boss or subordinates, you better be ready to do their job.
But what most people miss is if you do not foster it one direction it will not happen the other way. I have heard subordinates and superiors make this mistake.
How can the superior trust you if your subordinates do not and how can your subordniates trust you if your superior does not. Now if you under cut you boss or subordinates, you better be ready to do their job.
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