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32 Sayurusara 2021 December
UNDERSTANDING MISSION COMMAND
“England expects that every man will do his duty”
- Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, 21 Oct 1805
Admiral Horatio Nelson reviews the plan for the Battle of Trafalgar
with his Captains
Introduction focus more on the purpose of operations rather
than the details of how subordinates will execute
In many navies tradition has inculcated the tasks and avoid overly restrictive command
an expectation of commanders to operate and control concepts. (SLN BR 1)
independently while understanding and following
their superior commander’s intent. They are The Philosophy
groomed to act when an opportunity presents
itself and to feel comfortable in conditions of The philosophy of mission command consists
ambiguity to take independent decisions. These with following four main enduring tenets (JDP
are attributes honed by mutual trust, shared 0-01, UK Defence Doctrine):
understanding, confidence, disciplined initiative
and years of experience at sea. Further, mission • Timely decision making.
command assists subordinates to understand • Thorough understanding of a
their commander’s intent and their place within superior commander’s intent.
the plan. This enables subordinates to execute • Clear responsibility on the part of
activity with the maximum freedom of action. subordinates to fulfill intent.
This description of disciplined initiative is also • Determination to take the plan
known as mission command in joint doctrines. through to a successful conclusion.
To ensure that planning does not stifle mission
command, the superior commander and staff The fundamental guiding principle of
mission command is the absolute responsibility
to act, or to decide not to act, within the
framework of a superior commander’s intent.
UNDERSTANDING MISSION COMMAND
“England expects that every man will do his duty”
- Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, 21 Oct 1805
Admiral Horatio Nelson reviews the plan for the Battle of Trafalgar
with his Captains
Introduction focus more on the purpose of operations rather
than the details of how subordinates will execute
In many navies tradition has inculcated the tasks and avoid overly restrictive command
an expectation of commanders to operate and control concepts. (SLN BR 1)
independently while understanding and following
their superior commander’s intent. They are The Philosophy
groomed to act when an opportunity presents
itself and to feel comfortable in conditions of The philosophy of mission command consists
ambiguity to take independent decisions. These with following four main enduring tenets (JDP
are attributes honed by mutual trust, shared 0-01, UK Defence Doctrine):
understanding, confidence, disciplined initiative
and years of experience at sea. Further, mission • Timely decision making.
command assists subordinates to understand • Thorough understanding of a
their commander’s intent and their place within superior commander’s intent.
the plan. This enables subordinates to execute • Clear responsibility on the part of
activity with the maximum freedom of action. subordinates to fulfill intent.
This description of disciplined initiative is also • Determination to take the plan
known as mission command in joint doctrines. through to a successful conclusion.
To ensure that planning does not stifle mission
command, the superior commander and staff The fundamental guiding principle of
mission command is the absolute responsibility
to act, or to decide not to act, within the
framework of a superior commander’s intent.
