Abstract

The Mission: The Dilemma of Specified Task and Implied Commander's Intent (AD-A225 436) Combined Joint Task Forces (CJTF) and contemporary types of missions such as Peace Operations require diverse component forces that serve a multitude of roles, often bringing together non-U.S. Forces, private volunteer organizations, and other government agencies. Coordination and cohesion among these various agencies have proven difficult for CJTF operations. Effective creation and application of the Commander's intent (CI) may prove to be the glue which holds component forces together and ensures mission effectiveness. This monograph examines the limited success achieved by the U.S. Army in implementing mission oriented command and control. Evidence from the National Training Center suggests that there is a problem with intent communication and effective execution. This paper specifically addresses whether alterations to the five paragraph field order may help to rectify these apparent discrepancies. The Army has a mixture of mission and task oriented doctrine. This dichotomy manifests itself in practice by units in training and reflects the dilemma of specified task and implied intent. Confusing doctrine appears to be part of the problem, but one that can be rectified. The author presents several suggestions which may help eliminate doctrinal inconsistencies and clarify terms. The author recommends that the five paragraph field order be modified to provide missions, not just tasks, for the higher headquarters and the subordinate elements.


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