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Sayurusara 2021 December 33
This approach requires a style of command that rapidly building trust and confidence among
promotes decentralized command, initiative, the members of his command. His admirable
freedom and speed of action. assurance became known as the ‘Nelson Touch’
and it is the foundation on which his victories at
Commander’s Intent sea were achieved. Lord Nelson’s solution for the
inherent fog of war was to trust and empower
It is a clear and concise expression of the his subordinates, in which unity of effort could
purpose of the operation and the desired military be achieved by decentralized actions.
end state that supports; mission command,
provides focus to the staff and helps subordinate At Trafalgar, just before his fleet joined battle
and supporting commanders act to achieve the with the enemy, Admiral Nelson sent one last
commander’s desired results without further message via his signal flags. It stated “England
orders, even when the operation does not unfold expects that every man will do his duty.” This is
as planned. (JP 1-02. Source: JP 3-0) very unique because when the Admiral had one
last chance to communicate a possible order
The commander’s intent cannot be a staff to his subordinate commanders, he instead
product; rather it must be a true embodiment of transmitted a final inspirational reminder.
the commander’s vision and the centerpiece of Further it is recorded in his memorandum before
the commander’s discussions with subordinate the battle of Trafalgar, 10 October 1805 that;
commanders. A clear intent should minimise “In case signals cannot be seen, or perfectly
the length of the scheme of manoeuvre, where understood, no captain can do very wrong if he
brevity is an important quality. (SLN BR 1) places his ship alongside that of an enemy”.
Essential Elements (For Adm Nelson, ensuring that his
subordinates understood his intent was critical
In practical terms, mission command has five to enabling them to execute the disciplined
essential elements (JDP 0-01): initiative required for victory at sea.)
• Commanders must ensure that (Source: http://fieldgradeleader.
their subordinates understand their intent, themilitaryleader.com/lpd-orbon)
their own contributions and the context
within which they are to act. Conclusion
• Commanders should exercise
a minimum of control over their Mission command is a philosophy focused
subordinates, consistent with their around commander’s creative and skillful use
experience and ability, while retaining of authority, instincts, intuition, and experience
responsibility for their actions. in decision-making and leadership to enhance
• Subordinates are told what effect operational effectiveness. Mission command
they are to achieve and why. provides the means through commander’s
• Subordinates are allocated intent, mission type orders and decentralized
sufficient resources to carry out their execution to operate at the speed of the problem.
missions. Trust is essential for an infused culture of mission
• Subordinates decide for themselves command. Development of trust gains synergy
how best to achieve their superior’s intent. with mission partners and empowerment.
Mission Command: The Nelson Touch
The naval history reveals and it has Commodore (E) Hasantha Dassanaike, USP, psc
been well documented that Admiral Lord NRE 777
Horatio Nelson had the unique capability of SLNS Dakshina
This approach requires a style of command that rapidly building trust and confidence among
promotes decentralized command, initiative, the members of his command. His admirable
freedom and speed of action. assurance became known as the ‘Nelson Touch’
and it is the foundation on which his victories at
Commander’s Intent sea were achieved. Lord Nelson’s solution for the
inherent fog of war was to trust and empower
It is a clear and concise expression of the his subordinates, in which unity of effort could
purpose of the operation and the desired military be achieved by decentralized actions.
end state that supports; mission command,
provides focus to the staff and helps subordinate At Trafalgar, just before his fleet joined battle
and supporting commanders act to achieve the with the enemy, Admiral Nelson sent one last
commander’s desired results without further message via his signal flags. It stated “England
orders, even when the operation does not unfold expects that every man will do his duty.” This is
as planned. (JP 1-02. Source: JP 3-0) very unique because when the Admiral had one
last chance to communicate a possible order
The commander’s intent cannot be a staff to his subordinate commanders, he instead
product; rather it must be a true embodiment of transmitted a final inspirational reminder.
the commander’s vision and the centerpiece of Further it is recorded in his memorandum before
the commander’s discussions with subordinate the battle of Trafalgar, 10 October 1805 that;
commanders. A clear intent should minimise “In case signals cannot be seen, or perfectly
the length of the scheme of manoeuvre, where understood, no captain can do very wrong if he
brevity is an important quality. (SLN BR 1) places his ship alongside that of an enemy”.
Essential Elements (For Adm Nelson, ensuring that his
subordinates understood his intent was critical
In practical terms, mission command has five to enabling them to execute the disciplined
essential elements (JDP 0-01): initiative required for victory at sea.)
• Commanders must ensure that (Source: http://fieldgradeleader.
their subordinates understand their intent, themilitaryleader.com/lpd-orbon)
their own contributions and the context
within which they are to act. Conclusion
• Commanders should exercise
a minimum of control over their Mission command is a philosophy focused
subordinates, consistent with their around commander’s creative and skillful use
experience and ability, while retaining of authority, instincts, intuition, and experience
responsibility for their actions. in decision-making and leadership to enhance
• Subordinates are told what effect operational effectiveness. Mission command
they are to achieve and why. provides the means through commander’s
• Subordinates are allocated intent, mission type orders and decentralized
sufficient resources to carry out their execution to operate at the speed of the problem.
missions. Trust is essential for an infused culture of mission
• Subordinates decide for themselves command. Development of trust gains synergy
how best to achieve their superior’s intent. with mission partners and empowerment.
Mission Command: The Nelson Touch
The naval history reveals and it has Commodore (E) Hasantha Dassanaike, USP, psc
been well documented that Admiral Lord NRE 777
Horatio Nelson had the unique capability of SLNS Dakshina
