Lecture Notes on Mission Command in Multinational Forces by Gavin Edgerton

Introduction

• Speaker: Gavin Edgerton, Infantry Officer, Irish Army
• Topic: Application of Mission Command in Multinational Forces
• Background: 21 years in Irish Army, Master's in Political Communication, pursuing a PhD in Mission Command from University College Cork
• Experience: Served in UN and EU missions in Chad, Lebanon, and Mali

Agenda

1. Introduction to Mission Command
2. Definitions and History
3. Barriers to Mission Command
4. Multinational Command Challenges
5. Research Findings
6. Case Study: East Timor

Mission Command Concept

• Definition: Decentralized decision-making, empowers subordinates within the commander's intent to show initiative
• Objective: Trust the judgment of commanders on the spot to exploit opportunities in battle
• Principles: Commander's intent, shared understanding, mission orders, disciplined initiative, risk acceptance

Personal Experience

• Initial Realization: Lightbulb moment during a field training exercise when given autonomy by a company commander
• Multinational Missions: Witnessed varied implementations of mission command, especially notable in EUTM Mali
• PhD Research: Focuses on how mission command can be successfully employed in multinational forces

Historical Context

• Origins: Concept emerged from Prussian military reforms post-1806 defeat by Napoleon
• Key Figures: Major General Gerhard von Scharnhorst, Helmut von Moltke (father of mission command)
• World Wars: Principles applied in both WWI and WWII, evolving to decentralized, initiative-based operations

Modern Application

• US Doctrine: Evolved through studies and doctrines like AirLand Battle (1982) and officially adopted in 2012 as Mission Command
• Current Principles: Competence, shared understanding, commander's intent, mission orders, disciplined initiative, risk acceptance

Barriers to Mission Command

• Competence: Insufficiently competent commanders
• Trust: Lack of trust in new, heterogeneous organizations
• Initiative: Reluctance to show initiative due to risk aversion or past negative experiences
• Ego: Senior commander's ego and micromanagement
• Technology: Risk of micromanagement through advanced C2 systems
• Multinational Specific: Command cacophony, fight for equity, limited authority, interoperability issues

Multinational Command Challenges

• Command Cacophony: Parallel command structures, both operational and national
• Interoperability: Language, doctrine, equipment differences
• Authority: Often limited, leading to command by persuasion rather than directive

Research Findings

• Interviewed Generals: Rupert Smith, David Petraeus, Peter Cosgrove, Michael Beary
• Key Findings: Commander's Intent: Critical for mission success, repeated and reinforced constantly
• Trust: Built through repeated interactions and training
• Competence: Varied, but can be developed through training and experience
• Technology: Can aid or hinder command, effective use requires discipline

Case Study: East Timor (InterFET)

• Background: 1999 conflict, multinational force led by Australia
• Success Factors: Strong advocacy for mission command, pre-deployment training, habitual association between forces
• Implementation: Clear commander's intent, empowerment at all levels, trust built through joint training

Recommended Reading

• Books: Transforming Command, Adopting Mission Command, Trust and Leadership, 16 Cases of Mission Command, Command by Anthony King
• Articles: Various on Mission Command and its application in different armies

Conclusion

• Importance: Mission command is crucial for effective and adaptable military operations, especially in multinational contexts
• Future Research: Continues to seek insights from various military leaders and historical case studies

Q&A Highlights

• Reconciling Different Command Styles: Examples of detailed vs. mission command at different levels, importance of emotional intelligence
• Technology in Command: Importance of not micromanaging despite advanced situational awareness tools