I could not agree more that a detailed plan prior to execution is essential to overall mission success. It does not surprise me that units that fail to write detailed well thought out mission orders will fail. Are we confusing detailed planning and coordination as “direct command”? Also, I think it would help if you provided your definition of direct command, because, as I stated earlier, I did not find it in ADP 6-0 and it would help me understand your thought process.

However, in the situation you created in your article, you were defining a situation that was happening during contact with the enemy. In your scenario, a maneuver commander is experiencing a situation that was not accounted for during the planning process. Therefore, in this scenario, time is of the essence and the ability to have detailed instructions is not feasible with the conditions on the ground. The principals of mission command demand that a maneuver commander, during this situation, decentralizes command in an effort to allow his subordinates to react appropriately to the situation.  However, even though command is decentralized, commanders can and should constantly reevaluate the situation and maneuver their forces accordingly. As soon as possible, the commander should return to the original detailed plan.

As a detailed plan is imperative to mission success, the question really becomes, how do we utilize mission command during the planning process to create a detailed plan that will allow for the type of precision and coordinated effort that is essential to optimal performance? If subordinates are chafed and lamenting about being told what to do, then the command has not involved them in the planning process. Of course they would chafe, they are being told what to do with none of their input. I would argue that the OPORD should really come from the bottom up with the commander providing guidance and clarification as they see fit. As always the commander has a final say over the operation, but if the plan is generated from the bottom up, then no subordinate would feel as if they are micro-managed.

I could not agree more that we need to attack the misconception that detailed planning with control measures is somehow not congruent within the context of Mission Command. Any officer/leader that goes into an operation without a well-thought out plan is a fool and most assuredly will lead his/her unit to failure. My argument, is that Mission Command is what ensures a well detailed plan is created from the bottom-up and allows commanders at every level to be decisive.

With all of that being said, Alan, your article has required me to really think hard about Mission Command and its utilization. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to have this conversation.