Why does mission command matter to maneuver leaders? The past decade of war has reinforced the importance of mission command as small units conduct decentralized operations across wide areas in rapidly changing environments. Operations are complex, involving continuous interactions between friendly forces, enemy organizations, and civilians, as well as interaction with other factors that affect the mission such as time, terrain, and local political dynamics. Simply giving subordinates task and purpose is not enough for effective mission command.

Collaborative planning and feedback throughout the operations process is critical to developing and maintaining a common understanding of the situation and the mission. Leaders must strive to improve their ability to communicate their intent, desired end state, concept of operation, and understanding of the situation so subordinates are able to take initiative consistent with the mission.

The Army's philosophy of command is mission command; it is the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander's intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders in the conduct of Unified Land Operations.

Mission Command was born out of necessity in the 19th century. The advent of more lethal weapons and the mobilization of large societies required Prussian corps, division, and brigades to disperse their troops in battle, leaving the senior commanders unable to fully view or control their troops during battle. As a result, junior leaders were required to use judgment and initiative to act decisively in the absence of detailed orders from commanders.