Partial Praxis: Exploring the Leadership Factors that Affect the Application of Mission Command Theory in the US Army
Abstract
The US Army adopted Mission Command as its preferred command and control approach in the 1990s. Mission Commands theoretical concepts are imported from the Prusso-German decentralized command philosophy Auftragstaktik, which was gradually implemented over a century allowing the concept to mature in a manner that ensured alignment with their unique command culture. Unfortunately, the swift implementation of Mission Command in the US Army has created a praxis gap between the theory, contained in doctrine, and ability of leaders to practically employ the decentralized command and control approach in the context of the organizations distinctive command culture. Exploratory qualitative research was conducted to define the leadership related factors that inhibit the application of mission command in the US Army. Key themes drawn from the collected data identify a number of contemporary factors that cannot be present (inhibitors) and must be present (oxidizers) to enable the application of Mission Command in the US Army.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1124645
Entities
People
- Alexander Edgar
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College