Balanced Approach: Thoughts for the Adoption of Mission Command by the Joint Force

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Balanced Approach: Thoughts for the Adoption of Mission Command by the Joint Force

N. G. Armstrong

As the U.S. military prepares to face a wide array of current and future threats across multiple domains, adaptability and agility will be necessary traits to counteract a globally dispersed enemy. One of the methods to introduce these traits into the joint force while operating in an uncertain environment is mission command. Despite the recent and numerous discussions about mission command, this concept is not a new idea. Mission command is a decentralized form of command and control that empowers subordinates to exercise initiative in the absence of orders. Most of the literature regarding mission command pertains to its use by land forces; over 10 years of war overwhelmingly fought in the land domain has encouraged that focus. In fact, the U.S. Army adopted mission command within its doctrine some time ago. Recently, it has been emphasized as a key component of its latest doctrinal revolution: Army Doctrine 2015. However, mission command is not just a concept for land forces. It is a mindset the entire joint force must adopt. In April 2012, General Martin Dempsey published the 'Mission Command White Paper.' This document establishes the importance of mission command and directs the joint force to adopt its principles to counter threats in a complex operating environment. But while mission command already exists in a limited way within joint doctrine, should joint doctrine adapt the definition of mission command going into the future. Certain approaches to adopting mission command closely link this concept to technological applications and systems. In doing so, does this contradict the philosophical nature of mission command.