Army Forces Ops: Mission Command & Control - Essay Sample

Introduction

Armed forces operations involve lots of elastic situation. Army commanders have to offer guidelines and construct procedures that govern the successful completion of a mission. Mission command and command and control are two critical concepts in the army forces. Mission command refers to the angle that the armed forces take under the command and control to provide room for improvisation when subordinate are in the field. It enhances decision-making processes as well as decentralized implementation when the subordinates face situations unaccounted or unpredicted in the command and control. Command and control, on the other hand, refers to the act of a commander exercising authority and offering direction over the forces assigned under the commander to ensure the success of the mission. The two concepts are essential in the achievement of the purpose of the army forces. The reflection paper examines the concepts of mission command and command and control in detail and analyzes the application of the philosophy and theory of mission command.

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Command and Control versus Mission Command

Command and control is the foundation for the success of the army forces. It is formed of two essential parts, the command part and the control part. The command is essentially the authority of a commander over the subordinates based on his lawful authority. The control component involves the regulations of the military forces and warfare functions. Command and control is a fundamental step that helps in the process of achieving a warfare objective. The importance and effectiveness of command and control are evident in the destruction of an enemy and enhancing the smooth flow of activities such as delivering supplies to the subordinate army forces. Through command and control, military forces have a streamlined course of action and direction. Thus, the primary objective of command and control is to ensure timely mission accomplishment. The commander, who is central in the command and control, examines warfare situations, makes decisions affecting the military forces and offers a direction for the most appropriate course of action. Command and control are critically important in the case of multinational operations. An example of such operations includes NATO operations. Multinational operations create several challenges in the command and control including the language barrier, information sharing among others. However, a clear demarcation of the roles and regulations helps in the successful completion of a mission.

Incorporating mission command in the command and control is fundamental to achieve the commander's intent. According to the Department of the Army (2012), the creation of the mission command followed the need for evolution of the command and control. Mission command was an excellent way to meet arising complex needs and demands of warfare and battlefields. Mission command enhances and creates a striking balance in the discipline of command and that of control. It helps in integrating the success of warfighting function to achieve the goals and objectives of the military officers. The three main areas of the mission command include the subordinate decision making, decentralization and levels of controls. The subordinate decision making and decentralization entail delegation of authority and decision making to the subordinate by the commander. Therefore, subordinates have the control authority through the mission command.

Application of the Philosophy and Concepts of Mission Command

There are primarily seven philosophies and concepts applicable in the mission command, which serves as its guiding principles. These philosophes include the competence, mutual trust, sharing of understanding, commander's intent, mission orders, disciplined initiative and risk acceptance (The US Department of the Army, 2012). These principles and philosophies are essential in providing a productive sustainment training activity in the military force. The US Department of the Army. (2012) publication outlines the primary areas of focus of the sustainment training which includes the LOGSTAT, forward logistics element, fuel and any other supplies requirements relevant on the battlefield. The following section is a detailed analysis of the application of these philosophies.

Competence of the Military Force

Effective mission command relies on the competency of the entire military force right from the commander down the chain of command to the subordinates. The competence philosophy revolves around the tactical and technological perspective of the military force. Tactical and technical training, educational and assignment experience are the key areas that the commander should focus on to create a capable and competent team. According to the Department of the Army (2012), competence is a continuous process involving lots of random assessment. The application of the principle, therefore, depends on the ability of the commander to evaluate the level of competence on the subordinates continuously. Training and education enhance the level of competence both for the commanders and the subordinates. The challenges that the military force encounter during the practice serves as an excellent tool for the implementation of the mission command on the battlefield. Nevertheless, it creates a common understanding of the goals of both the commander and the subordinates.

Creating a Cohesive and Solid Team through Mutual Trust

Mutual trust between the commanders, subordinates and all the stakeholders in the military force is essential for the application and success of the mission command. The foundation of the philosophy of mutual trust is on the ability of these people to work together and create a collaborative atmosphere. The implementation of this principle is in connection with the competence principle. Consistent interaction between commanders and the subordinates through activities such as training and education creates an opportunity for identification of the strength and weaknesses of the individuals in the military forces. Identification of these factors ensures that the assignment of responsibility to the subordinates is in line with what they do best. As a result, the commander is confident that the decisions of the subordinates, while they are in the field, is sufficient. Nevertheless, commanders delegate authority and specific responsibility to the subordinates whom they have utmost trust.

Creating a Shared Understanding

Shared understanding is vital in the military force, especially in an operational environment. It helps in problem-solving and achieving the purpose of the operation. The application of this philosophy involves the creation of a rapport or communication channel with all the players in the military force. Effective communication is vital in informing everyone of their roles and parts that they should play in achieving the ultimate goal of the military force. Commanders create shared understanding by providing professional education to the subordinates to introduce them on the distinct aspects of the military force such as how to conduct operations, military professional language, and the principles of the mission command. Operations processes are essential in creating a shared understanding of the military force. Therefore, commanders use the philosophy to ensure subordinates are aware of the scheduling, preparation, implementation and assessment of military operations.

Provide a Clear Commander's Intent

Just like shared understanding, the commander's intent is critical in the achievement of the mission command. It helps in informing the subordinates on the path of action whenever they experience challenging situations. According to the US Department of the Army. (2012) publications, the commander's intent needs to be a piece of clear, deliberate and brief information on the nature of the operation and the needs of the task. The application of this philosophy entails effective communication in the planning stage to drive the course of action. Commander's intent sets the limits governing the execution stage of an operation. Competence, mutual trust and shared understanding all contribute towards effective communication in the military force, which is the foundation of the expression of the commander's intent. Thus, the philosophy relies on the ability of the commander to communicate their desired output in a mission.

Exercise Disciplined Initiative

The disciplined initiative entails the obligation of the subordinates in the operations as they strive to achieve the end state as outlined in the commander's intent. It is the philosophy that guides the ability of the subordinates to follow orders instituted by the commander. The use of this philosophy involves initiating commander's intent that defines the limits, levels or boundaries upon which the subordinates can apply initiatives. Outlining the purpose of a mission and the desired outcome is vital in the application of this philosophy. Training provides an opportunity for the commanders to examine the risks and mistakes of the subordinates when exercising disciplined initiative.

Mission Orders

Mission orders refer to the communication of operational instructions from the commanders to the subordinates. The mission orders philosophy is essential for the dissemination of guidance, assigning duties, allocating resources and supplies as well as the delegation of authority. The effective use of the mission order occurs in the training sessions. At this point, the commander emphasizes on the importance of the mission order to enhance the effectiveness of the subordinates in the battlefield. As a result, mission orders during training expands the improvisation and problem-solving skills of subordinates when in the field.

Risk Acceptance

The risk acceptance philosophy entails the ability of the commander to assess the hazardous environment in the course of the operation and the best way to mitigate these risks. The philosophy is useful in decision making as it informs the commanders on how to respond to risky situations. Commanders examine the uncertainties concerning the force and the mission before accepting the risk. An example of the application of the risk acceptance philosophy is pursuing a risky course of action in an attempt to achieve an element of surprise on an enemy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mission command and command and control are the foundations of the success of military operations. Command and control give commanders the authority to exercise control and institute command in the army forces. Mission command is the delegation of power to the subordinates usually in cases that require improvisation in the field. Several principles and philosophies govern the application of the mission command for the success of the mission. These philosophies include the competence, mutual trust, sharing of understanding, commander's intent, mission orders, disciplined initiative and risk acceptance.

References

Army, U. S. (2012). FM 6-0 Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces. Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/

US Department of the Army. (2012). Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces, FM 60. Retrieved from https://atiam.train.army.mil/catalog/dashboard