Is Mission Command an art or a science?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 23:23:11 -0400

So what do you know? Explain your answer.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 9 at 2015 11:25 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 23:25:34 -0400

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.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 10 at 2015 12:33 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 00:33:47 -0400

It's both. There are objective lessons that can be applied subjectively.

For instance, Math is a science. However, all paintings are made up of color, texture, etc, which is mathematical, yet for them to be "beautifully executed" we call them art. Mission Command, or decentralized Command & Control is no different.

It's components are science, it's technique & execution are art.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 10 at 2015 12:40 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 00:40:09 -0400

Like many other professions, it's both. You can teach the doctrine, skill and techniques of mission command, but the application of it takes practice and the human touch.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:42 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 01:42:01 -0400

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.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 3:36 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 03:36:02 -0400

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.