MISSION COMMAND Meaning and
Definition
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Mission command is a military doctrine that refers to a decision-making process employed by commanders in order to accomplish a given mission. It emphasizes decentralization, empowerment, and trust among subordinates, providing them with the necessary freedom to exercise their judgment and initiative within the overall commander's intent.
A fundamental characteristic of mission command is the commander's clear communication of their intent. By effectively conveying their goals, desired end state, and constraints, they empower their subordinates to make informed decisions that align with the overarching mission. This approach relies on trust and mutual understanding between commanders and their subordinates.
Under mission command, subordinates are expected to exercise disciplined initiative, taking appropriate action based on their own assessment of the situation at hand. They are encouraged to analyze and interpret information independently, adapting their plans and tactics as necessary to best achieve the mission objectives. Open and effective communication is crucial in mission command, as it facilitates the dissemination of information, enables coordination among units, and fosters a shared understanding of the mission.
This doctrine recognizes that in complex operational environments, strict centralization of decision-making can be impractical and slow down the execution of tasks. Mission command facilitates a more agile and responsive approach, empowering both commanders and subordinates to act decisively and adaptively.
Overall, mission command promotes decentralized decision-making, trust, and mutual understanding, enabling commanders to effectively lead and subordinates to effectively execute missions, even in highly dynamic and uncertain situations.
Etymology of MISSION COMMAND
The term "mission command" has its origins in the military domain, particularly in the American Army. The etymology of "mission command" can be broken down as follows:
1. Mission: The word "mission" comes from the Latin word "missio", meaning "a sending", or "a task assigned". It entered the English language through Old French in the 14th century.
2. Command: "Command" is derived from the Latin word "com-, con-", meaning "together", and "mandare", meaning "to commit, to entrust". In Old French, it evolved into "commander", which later became "command" in English.
The combination of "mission" and "command" in the concept of "mission command" emerged in the late 20th century. It refers to a leadership philosophy or approach that emphasizes the delegation of decision-making authority to lower-level units within a military organization.
