Accession Number:

ADA589283

Title:

Embedding Mission Command in Army Culture

Descriptive Note:

Research paper

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLLEGE CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Heyward, Richard D.

Report Date:

2013-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

38.0

Abstract:

The Armys ability to embed Mission Command as an underlying assumption taken for granted belief into organizational culture is imperative given the current and future operating environment. Further underscoring this premise are lessons learned from a decade of war that highlight Mission Command as a key factor in the success of counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, as the Army transitions into a new era, a number of factors ranging from fiscal constraint to the challenge of inspiring and motivating a generation of combat-seasoned junior leaders accustomed to operating with autonomy pose a threat to the Armys ability to fulfill the promise of Mission Command. Given these dynamics, this strategic research effort examines and analyzes Mission Command, the current and emerging operational environment, and Army culture, and provides subsequent recommendations for senior Army leaders to consider with regard to implementing Mission Command. To assist commanders and their staffs in balancing the art of command and the science of control, Mission Command incorporates six fundamental principles build cohesive teams through mutual trust, create shared understanding, provide a clear commanders intent, exercise disciplined initiative, use mission orders, and accept prudent risk. The focal point of this study is an analysis of Army culture using ideas and concepts presented by Edgar H. Schein

Descriptors:

• *ARMY
• *CULTURE
• *EMBEDDING
• *LEADERSHIP
• *MILITARY COMMANDERS
• *MILITARY DOCTRINE
• ARMY TRAINING
• COUNTERINSURGENCY
• DECENTRALIZATION
• LEADERSHIP TRAINING
• MISSIONS
• OFFICER PERSONNEL
• PHILOSOPHY
• PROFICIENCY
• TEAMS(PERSONNEL)
• TRANSITIONS

Subject Categories:

• Administration and Management
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE