What makes a good mission statement?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:15:54 -0500

I invite you to share good and bad examples.

I have taught that a mission statement should be:

-CLEAR: Task and Purpose and address the 5Ws

-CONCISE: Anything more than sentences is probably to two long and one sentence is ideal. A good test is what is the lowest ranking member able to remember.

I have seen examples that are endless string of O/O which might as well be a scheme of maneuver or so expansive that it might as well be a concept of the operation. (i.e. The CCC Common Core OPORD created by SALT/CAC)

I have also seen people reach analysis paralysis spending hors even days crafting a mission statement which leads to a plan that is overly complex and issued well after its time of relevance.

I have done some research at the National Archives and found good historical examples regardless of the format are clear and concise.

The modern solution has been not to read them. The complaint of some is that no one reads the OPORD but sometimes it is justified if it is too late or difficult to read. This has created problem were not reading the order has been tolerated which is unfortunate when a staff writes a good one.

So... what makes a good mission statement?

I invite you to share good and bad examples.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 20 at 2014 4:36 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:36:15 -0500

CPT, good question. Here is an example of NORAD-NORTHCOM's:

http://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/FactSheets/ArticleView/tabid/3999/Article/1891/usnorthcom-vision.aspx

In addition to the mission statement, I always like to know the Vision as well as the Commander's Priorities.

I think this is a good example...it's clear and concise.

USNORTHCOM Vision > U.S. Northern Command > Article View

MISSIONS NORAD and USNORTHCOM have complementary missions and members of our headquarters staffs work to fulfill our homeland defense responsibilities. The two Commands operate within a common securit...

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 27 at 2014 10:03 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 27 May 2014 10:03:07 -0400

Short and sweet, from the guy who is too wordy...