Flying in the Face of Fear

Chapter 12COMMANDER'S INTENT

“Acting without orders, in anticipation of orders, or without waiting for approval must become second nature in any form of warfare where formations do not fight closely en cadre, and must go down to the smallest units. It requires in the higher command a corresponding flexibility of mind, confidence in its subordinates, and the power to make its intentions clear right through the force.”

—Field‐Marshal Viscount Slim, Commander, British Army

Figure 12.1 My change of command ceremony, relinquishing command of the 612th Theater Operations Group and 474th Air Expeditionary Group at Davis‐Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

Photo credit: Staff Sergeant Danny Rangel.

Military joint doctrine describes the commander's intent as the clear and concise expression of what the force must do and the conditions the force must establish to accomplish the mission. It includes the purpose, end state, and associated risks. The purpose of a commander's intent is to allow subordinates the greatest possible freedom of action. It provides focus to the team and helps subordinate commanders act to achieve the commander's objectives in absence of further orders especially when the operation does not unfold as planned. Successful commanders demand subordinate leaders at all levels exercise disciplined initiative and act aggressively and independently to accomplish ...