CMSI Translations #13: Mission Command Is Not The Antidote

Authors

Cui Yiliang

Files

Description

“Mission command” (renwushi zhihui) has become a buzzword across all branches of the U.S. military. The concept came into being in the early 19th century, borne from Prussian military experience, and became a treasured concept in Prussian/German military doctrine. Simply put, mission command is the delegation of decision-making power. The reason for delegating or subordinating decision-making is because, when compared with higher echelon command, front line units often have better situational awareness of their given area, and delegation of decision making authority can allow them to fully utilize this cognitive advantage and seize the time critical battle initiative.

Publication Date

1-2025

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China, PRC, China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, People’s Liberation Army, People’s Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, Mission, Command, Initiative

Recommended Citation

Yiliang, Cui, "CMSI Translations #13: Mission Command Is Not The Antidote" (2025). CMSI Translations. 13.
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-translations/13