Priority of Information Chapter

• Length: 2 pages
• Subject: Military
• Type: Chapter
• Paper: #26891546
• Related Topics: Military Training, Descriptive

Excerpt from Chapter :

CCIR Commander's Intent

The element of Describe is essential in when commanders are using the Mission Command Concept to influence the development of their commander's intent. Describing is simply about adding detail to the boundaries of the argument. To simply say "attack" does nothing to enlighten the situation, unless a description is added such as " attack that hill."

Description is a commander's tool and needs to be utilized in the proper respects. Too much description may make the order impossible to follow and understand, while not enough description will also cause confusion as there are no shared reference points within the operating units.

The information contained within an written operations order or a verbal order must pertain to a shared sort of circumstances that are understood by all. Language and the selection of the correct words when describing certain situations is also key and critical to ensuring success on the ordered mission. Since each unit is unique and has its own cast of unique personnel, it is necessary for commanders to tailor their descriptions in a manner that is consistent with varying audiences. Tone and attitude while giving descriptions is also very important. Commanders can use their words as motivating weapons to place their resource, human and otherwise, in their desired location with the order to act under the commander's intent.

Developing a useful commander's intent requires that the commander himself examine ways in which the scenario can be better described or detailed. Maintaining a tempered balance in communication and to be careful not to overload any discussion with detail can be a practical approach in managing this problem.

Part 2

The intent of a commander is not always assumed to be known, much less understood by his or her subordinates. It is easy for commanders' to begin to assume that their subordinates should know the same ideas, notions and best solutions to problems as they do, and vice versa. The old saying goes: shoot, move and communicate. If commanders can allow their soldiers operate under this ideal, than much can be accomplished. But only when accurate and detailed description is included which leads to unveiling of the intent of the mission.

Mission statements contain essentially two pieces: a task and a purpose. Both tasks and purposes need descriptive detail to give them value. Priority Information Reports inherently understand this idea about what is most important and how rank quality assists the actions of the unit. When priorities are discussed,…