M450: Mission Command – Described
A commander and the staff develop the components of the Commander’s intent through the operation process. The commander’s intent presents the purpose of the operation that supports the mission command. Therefore, the plan serves as a guide for military operations on a said mission. As such, the commander first develops the intent statement personally. This personal development is meant for the commander to identify exactly what he or she wants to achieve through the operation. After that, both the commander and the staff get to understanding the operation process which facilitates the development of the components of the commander’s intent. The team supports the commander in the conceptualization and understanding of detailed plans, which involve the operational environment. The operation process identifies the purpose, effects, and end state of the operation, which are all highlighted in the commander’s intent. The intent should be very detailed such that it is understood by staff two echelons down.
M451: Decisive Action – Offense
The purpose of the offense is to secure the terrain during combat, attack the enemy in a manner that deprives the enemy of its resources, gain information to be used in deceiving and diverting the enemy, as well as set up conditions for future operations. As such, the offense is vital in the Mission Command element of “Visualize.” The attack presents four characteristics, namely audacity, concentration, surprise, and tempo.
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Audacity refers to the ability of the offense to execute a simple action plan. Audacity comes in handy in seizing enemy resources which requires simple action plans. Concentration involves using the effects of combat power to achieve a single purpose. In this case, the offense directs overwhelming power towards a specific goal to produce the desired results. The element of surprise is critical in any attack because the enemy is attacked at the least familiar place and time. Surprise attacks give the offense an advantage over the enemy. Tempo, on the other hand, ensures the synchronization and proper coordination of combat activities in assuring organization in operation.
M452: Decisive Action - Defense
Synchronization is critical in any operation. The commander uses control measures to achieve flexibility as a means of responding to changes in any situation. Flexibility allows for quick response to changing scenarios in combat. As such the commander is not left at crossroads in the event of a change in operation. Synchronization gives the commander the power to combat at any decisive point. To achieve synchronization, the commander uses information and leadership skills to employ excellent combat power. The information necessary prepares him or her for uncertain events in the workplace. The leadership skills enable the commander to lead in the development of changes in action effectively. Moreover, the commander also conducts detailed planning and preparation of defense units in combat. The training and planning of groups ensure that they anticipate changes in the battlefield and can accommodate these changes. Synchronization gives the offense an advantage as they can respond to any counterattacks from the enemy’s side. For instance, in the Afghanistan-Iraq case, defensiveness is an appropriate measure in approaching related situations. As such, not only is combat better planned, but also counterattacks are anticipated and planned for.
M453: Decisive Action – Stability
Restoration of essential services is beneficial to stability operations following an armed conflict as it helps to restore a stable economy. The restoration of services ensures that the population can engage in economic activities hence improving the economy. Moreover, restoration provides for a stable democracy that guarantees the social well-being of the community. As a result, the restoration of services such as food, water, shelter and medical support ensures population sustenance, hence a stable society. After the attacks, the government is able to form appropriate policies. The formed policies better address such issues to ensure maintenance of stability.
M454 Decisive Action: Defense Support of Civil Authorities
The National Guard is fast in responding to situations in the event of a national threat. The guard is well distributed nationally, hence its proximity to events, that enhances responsiveness. The National Guard also has adequate knowledge of the local operation environment, giving it an advantage over enemies or threats. The guard also has tactical flexibility that enables it to function in any setting. Its close relation to officials ensures that the officers have the necessary resources required in combat.
However, the National Guard relies on state funding thus placing it at a disadvantage in the case of finance. The wide distribution of units also hinders operability in the case of emergencies.
The active army presents a large number of forces that can be sustained for extended periods. These forces can also be deployed in large-scale hence its relevance to national operations. However, the active army has legal and operational commitments that hinder its independence, hence reliance on the federal government.
The army reserve, on the other hand, assists in response to emergencies. Therefore, it comes in handy in helping the Defense Support of Civil Authorities in responding to disasters. However, the army reserve is under the authority of the governor and the secretary of defense, such that the secretary of defense orders the termination of members of the armed forces.
