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Mission Command Assessment Essay

In order to really delve into the topic of Mission Command, we must first accurately define it. So what is Mission Command? Per doctrine, Mission Command is “the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders in the conduct of unified land operations.” Now that’s a mouthful. But, what does it really mean? In simplified terms, mission command is the way a leader develops and leads his subordinates into accomplishing the mission while leaving room for leaders to take ownership and initiative in completing the mission.
Mission Command is comprised of six different principles, all of which are bound together by mutual trust. The first two principles: build cohesive teams through mutual trust and create shared understanding, are the foundation to Mission Command. A leader can establish a command climate that fosters mission command by ensuring there is mutual trust and shared understanding within the organization. These two concepts are gained through common experiences, communication, and collaboration. Through shared experiences, a team will have endured hardships together. When faced directly with challenges, it is the person to your right and left you look towards for encouragement and assistance. When the team makes it through the hardship together, the sense of unity fosters and develops trust amongst the members. Communication is essential when discussing the concepts of mutual trust and shared understanding. The leader can effectively express the intent when providing clear and concise orders to his/her subordinates. Communication must flow from the bottom up and back down in order to ensure shared understanding. Through this, the leader can identify areas of confusion or misunderstandings within

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