COMMANDER’S INTENT (CI)

Military doctrine has been fundamentally reliant on the expression of intentions since it began. Demand clarification regarding the phrase’s foundation, particularly the concept that underpins the term “intent.” Formal evaluations scrutinize intent statements as a starting point to evaluate responsibility for failure or to commend success. The military determines intent by reviewing manual after manual. Though the military fails to embrace a uniform definition. Many believe that the commander’s intent is a recent doctrinal innovation, which would justify the inability to produce an exhaustive definition. Nevertheless, this is not the situation. All military services use this term, but it lacks an explicit definition. One of the closest the definition of the commander’s intent is mentioned below:

“…it is absolutely necessary that the subordinate headquarters perceive the object of what has been ordered to enable them to attain that object even when conditions make it necessary to act differently than laid down in orders…’’

In the planning and execution of the campaigns that ultimately united the modern German nation by 1871, Field Marshal von Moltke, one of Clausewitz’s disciples, adroitly accounted for these wartime realities. One of the things Von Moltke was aware of was that he was unable to accurately predict the outcome of an operation beyond the initial encounter with the problem. In order to mitigate this, he implemented “mission-oriented” mandates that facilitated decentralized decision-making. This commanding technique dictated the actions and their rationale but did not provide instructions on how to carry them out. Von Moltke designed his mission-oriented orders to ensure the complete independent dedication of lower-level structures, from the lowest on up. In order to capitalize on opportunity and accommodate the unexpected, his objective was to unleash subordinate initiative and potential. This reveals the origin of the commander’s intent, which is applicable to all situations involving the structure of human life.

This article aims to provide the concepts of CI by providing a close definition for it and giving a profound explanation in all CI situations in a nation that can answer questions raised during the activity of a governing body in the next pages.

Command Intent is a fundamental concept in governing leadership that establishes a distinct framework for subordinates to operate effectively in dynamic and uncertain environments that need a total transformational change. Despite the clear articulation of the operation’s purpose, the desired end state, and the critical duties necessary for success, CI provides teams the necessary room to demonstrate creativity and flexibility besides the formal root of task accomplishment while adhering to overarching strategic objectives. Fostering unity of endeavor across all levels of the structure.

The argument here is that CI is not designed to only follow the commander’s vision but is also able to motivate the subordinates to go the extra mile in their level and, collectively, structure and enable them to make informed decisions and adjust to evolving circumstances while maintaining the task’s overarching objectives.

Everyone has acknowledged that CI is not a concept without challenges. There are known challenges for the concept in addition to the misunderstanding of the concept itself. These challenges include ambiguity in communication, a misalignment between the concept and the actions taken, and an over-reliance on top-down instructions. The solutions for these problems can be seen in multifaceted ways. Directives must be clear, concise, and written using accepted language and protocols, according to governing bodies. Examples and scenarios added to written or spoken instructions can help align knowledge and further clarify intent. We can foster an environment that welcomes mission-type instructions and links operational tasks to objectives during briefings. In today’s circumstances, an over-reliance on top-down communication might inhibit the initiative and responsiveness of subordinates.

Governing bodies should prioritize the establishment of feedback mechanisms and active listening in order to address these challenges. Feedback mechanisms enable the continuous substantiation and refinement of communication, while active listening promotes mutual understanding and strengthens trust between leaders and their subordinates. Regular training on the significance of conveying intent and effective communication practices guarantees that all levels of leadership are equipped to confront and surpass these challenges.

The concept of CI being a fundamental aspect of governing leadership. CI provides a framework for subordinates to operate effectively in dynamic and uncertain environments, allowing them to demonstrate creativity and flexibility while adhering to overarching strategic objectives. Field Marshal Von Moltke, a disciple of Clausewitz, implemented mission-oriented mandates to ensure independent dedication of lower-level structures. CI is applicable to all situations involving the structure of human life and is not only designed to follow the commander’s vision but also motivate subordinates to go the extra mile in their level and collective structure.

However, CI faces challenges such as ambiguity in communication, misalignment between the concept and actions taken, and an over-reliance on top-down instructions. Solutions to these problems include clear, concise directives, examples and scenarios, fostering an environment that welcomes mission-type instructions, and prioritizing feedback mechanisms and active listening. Regular training on conveying intent and effective communication practices ensures that all levels of leadership are equipped to confront and surpass these challenges.

I have to introduce myself to clarify why I am able to have a perspective on CI .I have dedicated 27 years of service in the Ethiopian Air Force, currently holding the rank of Colonel. I possess over 2,700 flying hours as a fighter pilot instructor with a specialization in jet aircraft, during which I have refined my expertise in aviation and leadership. I possess a master’s degree in security studies along with a degree in business administration, both of which have enhanced my extensive military career. During my service, I have served in various leadership roles, including that of a flying school commander and airbase commander, where I have played a significant role in enhancing the development and professionalism of the Ethiopian Air Force.

At Perspective, we explore vibrant and dynamic ideas designed to inspire strategic thinking in today’s complex environment. Our bi-weekly articles dive into compelling concepts, providing fresh insights for our readers. In our upcoming article, we’ll delve into “The Link between Gratitude and the Success of Governing Body Policies”, uncovering how fostering a culture of gratitude can drive policy success and strengthen leadership impact. Stay tuned for thought-provoking analysis and actionable takeaways!

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