Mission Command vs. Cultural Change

Abstract

The warfare of the 21^st century proved even more that, thanks to technical progress, quick and immediate decisions are needed in order to achieve military goals. Not only at higher level of command (strategic, operational level), but also at the level of subordinates (tactical level), there is a need for commanders, leaders who are aware of the higher command’s goal even with a strategic goal, and are able to make immediate decisions in order to succeed the mission. Nowadays, there is no time to wait for decisions from superiors in front of an unforeseen obstacle, thus losing the initiative. However, this approach presupposes a high degree of trust, freedom of decision, movement and professional knowledge. In the current military culture, mission command is not yet widespread, as it requires a change of attitude compared to the rigid culture, which should be mastered during military education.