JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

Joint Command and Control
while conducting operations. Appropriate application of the command relationships
discussed previously in Section A will help ensure that the requisite amount of control is
applied while enabling sufficient latitude for decentralized execution. Additionally,
commander to staff and staff to staff relationships must be developed through training to
promote the understanding of all regarding the direction and/or support required.
(2) Mission command is the conduct of military operations through decentralized
execution based upon mission-type orders. It empowers individuals to exercise judgment in
how they carry out their assigned tasks and it exploits the human element in joint operations,
emphasizing trust, force of will, initiative, judgment, and creativity. Successful mission
command demands that subordinate leaders at all echelons exercise disciplined initiative and
act aggressively and independently to accomplish the mission. They focus their orders on
the purpose of the operation rather than on the details of how to perform assigned tasks.
They delegate decisions to subordinates wherever possible, which minimizes detailed control
and empowers subordinates’ initiative to make decisions based on understanding what the
commander wants rather than on constant communications. Essential to mission command
is the thorough understanding of the commander’s intent at every level of command and a
command climate of mutual trust and understanding.
(3) Information Management and Knowledge Sharing. Control and appropriate
sharing of information is a prerequisite to maintaining effective C2. For a discussion of
information management and knowledge sharing, see JP 3-0, Joint Operations, and JP 3-33,
Joint Task Force Headquarters.
(4) Communication. Because JFCs seek to minimize restrictive control measures
and detailed instructions, they must find effective and efficient ways to create cooperation
and compliance. Commander’s intent fosters communication and understanding with all
subordinates. This common understanding builds teamwork and mutual trust. Two joint C2
constructs that ensure implicit communication are the commander’s intent and mission
statement.
(a) Commander’s intent represents a unifying idea that allows decentralized
execution within centralized, overarching guidance. It is a clear and concise expression of
the purpose of the operation and the military end state. It provides focus to the staff and
helps subordinate and supporting commanders take actions to achieve the military end state
without further orders, even when operations do not unfold as planned.
(b) JFCs use mission-type orders to decentralize execution. Mission-type
orders direct a subordinate to perform a certain task without specifying how to accomplish it.
Within these orders, the actual mission statement should be a short sentence or paragraph
that describes the organization’s essential task (or tasks) and purpose—a clear statement of
the action to be taken and the reason for doing so. The senior leaves the details of execution
to the subordinate, allowing the freedom and the obligation to take whatever steps are
necessary to deal with the changing situation while encouraging initiative at lower levels.
(5) Timely Decision Making. With well-defined commander’s critical information
requirement, effective common operational picture and establishing clear objectives, the JFC
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