it isn't just about being the smartest guy in the room or knowing the right answers on the test: it's about the proper application of knowledge in order to solve problems.

The ability to operate effectively by using mission command principles relates directly to the competence.

Competence is acquired through training, education, assignment experience and professional development.

it's a two-way street: mutual trust is shared confidence between commanders and subordinates, which expect their leaders to practice what they preach.

Leaders count on team members to come through during crunch time this way both parties know the other will always be there to catch them.

Shared understanding of the situation, forms the basis for unity of effort.

Subordinates initiative collaboration requires dialogue: it can be brutal, and not everybody gets everything their way. But at the end of it, everyone knows the plan and their role in it.

it should therefore be worded by the commander himself before you might be thinking, the simple answer is to do what your boss would do if he was here with you.

The commander's intent is a clear and concise expression of the purpose of the operation and the desired end state a good commander gives you a clear picture of what mission accomplishment looks like it's short sweet to the point and not more than a paragraph.

are directives that emphasize to subordinates the results to be obtained not how they are to achieve them.

General Patton knew what he was talking about: it's not a product it's a technique.

WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY

should be answered at the end of planning.

Mission orders consist of the mission task organization commander's intent and concept of operations tasks to subordinate units and minimum essential coordinating instructions:

"charlie mike isn't referring to your cousin with two first names"

refers to the duties individual subordinates have to exercise initiative within the constraints of the commander's intent to achieve the desired state.

Team's members and leaders with discipline initiative, know when to follow a plan until the plan is not suitable to their situation.

Knowing the commander's intent, enables them flexibility to meet new threats or seize opportunities: they then report the situation at the first opportunity while continuing the mission.

shoot communicate and move on out given the same amount of intelligence

Mission command requires that commanders and subordinates manage accepted risk, exercise initiative and act decisively even when the outcome is uncertain: analysis is important in planning for contingencies.

Accepting prudent risk is not gambling, it's preparing the team as best you can with the tools available.