Mission Command Demonstrated in Afghanistan

Securing Dan Patan

Introduction

When applied correctly, mission command can provide a high degree of flexibility and creativity in the execution of military operations. When applied incorrectly, however, it can lead to confusion and chaos. Accordingly, it is important for commanders to carefully consider when and how to apply the seven principles of mission command in order to achieve the desired effect on the battlefield. The seven principles are: Competence, Mutual trust, Shared understanding, Commander\\\\\\\'s intent, Mission orders, Disciplined initiative and Risk acceptance. This paper will analyze and evaluate each principle with regard to Gaitley’s (n.d.) “Securing Dan Patan.” In “Securing Dan Patan: A US Infantry Squad\\\\\\\'s Counterinsurgency Program in an Afghan Village,” Scott J. Gaitley provides an in-depth look at the US military’s efforts to secure the village of Dan Patan against Taliban insurgents. He focuses on the role of a small infantry squad in carrying out a counterinsurgency program that includes building rapport between American soldiers and their ALP counterparts. In short, Gaitley (n.d.) shows how US forces demonstrated the principles of mission command in securing Dan Patan from the threat posed by enemy insurgents. This paper will thus show that adhering to these seven principles is essential for any leader who wishes to be successful in mission command.

Competence

Competence refers to the ability of leaders to make sound decisions and carry out their orders effectively. Leaders must be knowledgeable and have the experience necessary to make informed decisions (Townsend et al., 2019). The US infantry squad demonstrated competence in securing Dan Patan village from insurgents by first identifying and then eliminating all threats in the area. One of the big threats, as Gaitley (n.d.) points out, was the lack of rapport among US soldiers and their Afghani counterparts in the fight against the Taliban. Being able to identify that threat and neutralize served as a major step forward in the mission.

Mutual Trust

Mutual trust is essential among leaders and subordinates in order to maintain effective communication and successful operations (Mission Command, 2019). As Gaitley (n.d.) notes, “building relationships of rapport and trust with the Afghans was crucial for a successful shape phase and the final transformation to the transition phase with the VSO/ALP program” (p. 141). One way the US squad built rapport was through taking measures to protect the villagers from potential harm, including providing them with medical care and food. As a result of these efforts, the villagers were able to provide valuable information that helped the squad to successfully complete their mission.

Shared Understanding

Shared understanding is also crucial in order to ensure that all members of the team are on the same page and working towards the same goal (Townsend et al., 2019). In order to effectively achieve their objectives, soldiers must be able to communicate and cooperate with each other as well as with their Afghan counterparts. In the case of the US infantry squad that was tasked with securing Dan Patan from insurgents, this shared understanding was essential to the success of the mission. By making sure that all US soldiers and Afghan counterparts were on the same page, the squad was able to avoid confusion and miscommunication that could have jeopardized the mission. The results of this shared understanding were evident in the successful completion of the mission and the safe return of all soldiers to base.

Commander’s Intent

The commander\\\\\\\'s intent is the overarching goal of the mission that all members of the team must work towards (Mission Command, 2019). The US infantry squad\\\\\\\'s demonstration of commander\\\\\\\'s intent through understanding the implicit essence of the mission objectives in securing Dan Patan from insurgents was an extremely effective way of carrying out the mission. It involved implementing the transitioning phase in which “elders came in to take over the training of new recruits” (Gaitley, n.d., p. 139). The squad was able to quickly and accurately assess the situation, determine the best course of action, which involved using local resources to secure the village, and execute the plan. This activity demonstrated a deep understanding of the mission objectives and a clear commitment to achieving them. The successful completion of this mission is a testament to the skill and dedication of the members of the infantry squad.

Mission Orders

Mission orders are specific instructions given by commanders that detail how the mission is to be carried out. The orders were to secure the village and US soldiers did this by conducting “boots on the ground” patrols, and working carefully to make sure Afghan villagers and soldiers trusted them and learned how to do their jobs (Gaitley, n.d., p. 140). For instance, Specialist Waters—in spite of initial skepticism—could eventually succeed at instructing Afghanis to change a battery in a Humvee without an interpreter.

Disciplined Initiative

Disciplined initiative refers to the ability of subordinates to take initiative and act independently when necessary while still adhering to the commander\\\\\\\'s intent (Townsend et al., 2019). US infantry squad demonstrated disciplined initiative in securing Dan Patan from insurgents by interacting with villagers at the lowest level. By doing so, they demonstrated that they were interested in more than just securing the village. They were also interested in building relationships and supporting the community. As a result of their efforts, the squad was able to gain the trust of the villagers and through taking disciplined initiatives like this successfully secure Dan Patan from insurgent forces.