Principles of Mission Command Overview Part VIII

The Department of the Army defines mission command as “the Army's approach to command and control that empowers subordinate decision-making and decentralized execution appropriate to the situation”. Successful leaders understand the trust necessary for mission command to take place. They balance command and control by synchronizing processes and developing plans with subordinates, allowing them to foster disciplined initiative For this to take place, senior leaders must communicate clear intent down to the lowest level to allow a decentralized execution of operations.

Commanders rely on the innovation and decisive action of subordinates to meet their intent in a complex operating environment. Commanders must be comfortable accepting the inherent risks of operating in this manner. According to Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-0, Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces, commanders and subordinates must build a relationship centered upon the seven principles of mission command: Competence, mutual trust, shared understanding, commander's intent, mission orders, disciplined initiative, and risk acceptance