Accession Number:

ADA288954

Title:

Initiative as a Measure of Battle Command Effectiveness.

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MIL ITARY STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Schneider, Michael W.

Report Date:

1993-12-17

Pagination or Media Count:

62.0

Abstract:

The June 1993 version of FM 100-5, Operations, introduced the concept of battle command into United States Army Doctrine. The battle command concept emphasizes the art of command and implies that battle command drives the requirements for command and control process and systems. In order to place the same emphasis on the training of our commanders, a measure of battle command effectiveness is needed which addresses the art of command. This measure would also assist in the definition of requirements for command and control processes and systems. This monograph determines if the concept of initiative is a viable measure of battle command effectiveness. It analyzes this issue by first examining the battle command concept. Command and control theory is studied to establish its relationship to battle command. Decision making and leadership are studied to determine the essential qualities of effective battle command. The monograph then examines the concept of initiative. Battle initiative and individual initiative are studied to determine their relationship to each other and to success in battle. Finally, the monograph examines initiative as a measure of effectiveness. The characteristics of initiative are compared to the essential qualities of effective battle command to determine if initiative as a measure of effectiveness is relevent to battle command. The monograph develops a framework of analysis for battle command using initiative as a measure of effectiveness to establish the measures usefulness.

Descriptors:

• *COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS
• *MILITARY DOCTRINE
• *ARMY OPERATIONS
• MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• MEASUREMENT
• DECISION MAKING
• LEADERSHIP
• COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
• VIABILITY
• ARMY
• MILITARY COMMANDERS
• BATTLES

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE