Decisive Action: The 2 Questions They Should Be Answered

M451 Decisive Actionanswer The 2 Questions They Should Be Approximatel

The assignment asks for a detailed explanation of two key aspects within the context of military operations: firstly, an in-depth description and explanation of two of the Warfighting Functions; secondly, an analysis of how commanders exercise the Command and Control System. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these foundational elements of military strategy, as outlined in the Department of the Army's publications ADP 2-0 (Intelligence) and ADP 6-0 (Mission Command).

Warfighting Functions represent the core activities and tasks that enable commanders to achieve mission success. Among these, 'Foresight' and 'Decisive Action' are particularly central. 'Foresight' encompasses the ability to anticipate future conditions, threats, and opportunities, integrating intelligence and planning to prepare for potential challenges. It involves analyzing environmental trends, terrain, adversary capabilities, and other factors to develop flexible plans that can adapt as situations evolve (Department of the Army, 2019a). 'Decisive Action', on the other hand, involves the ability to rapidly and effectively seize, retain, and exploit opportunities in combat or operational environments. It drives the tempo of operations and enables forces to maintain momentum, momentum that can be decisive in achieving strategic ends (Department of the Army, 2019b).

Each of these functions requires a synergistic approach to military decision-making. Foresight is about preparedness—using intelligence, reconnaissance, and planning to inform decision-makers of potential futures, thereby enabling proactive rather than reactive responses. Decisive Action emphasizes agility, initiative, and rapid decision-making to capitalize on opportunities and pressing threats. These functions are interconnected; effective foresight informs the timing and nature of decisive actions, while decisive actions generate critical intelligence feedback, enhancing foresight for subsequent operations.

Command and Control System enables commanders to exercise authority, synchronize operations, and maintain situational awareness across diverse units and capabilities. Commanders exercise this system through a combination of organizational structures, procedures, communication networks, and technology. They rely on mission command philosophy, which empowers subordinate leaders with the freedom to exercise initiative within the commander's intent, thus fostering agility and adaptability (Department of the Army, 2019b).

Specifically, commanders utilize communication systems such as radio, satellite, and digital networks to receive intelligence, issue orders, and coordinate actions. They also employ decision-making processes that leverage both formal command channels and informal communications, ensuring rapid dissemination of critical information. They exercise control through synchronization of efforts across multiple domains—land, air, sea, space, and cyber—using tailored command posts, liaison officers, and shared situational awareness tools.

Moreover, commanders foster a culture of initiative, trust, and mutual understanding, creating an environment where subordinate leaders are empowered to make decisions within the commander's intent—this is central to the mission command philosophy. Training and exercising with advanced technology, integrating intelligence and surveillance, and maintaining clear communication channels are crucial for effective command and control. Such practices ensure the timely, accurate, and coordinated execution of complex operations, thereby increasing the likelihood of mission success (Department of the Army, 2019b).

Paper For Above instruction

The understanding and application of the Warfighting Functions and the Command and Control System are fundamental to effective military operations. These elements serve as the backbone of strategic planning, decision-making, and operational execution. Analyzing these functions through the lens provided by the Department of the Army’s authoritative publications reveals their importance in contemporary military doctrine.

Warfighting Functions such as Foresight and Decisive Action are vital in shaping operational environments and ensuring mission success. Foresight involves deliberate intelligence gathering, environmental analysis, and scenario planning. It encompasses understanding terrain, adversary capabilities, and potential threats, allowing commanders to anticipate conditions and prepare adaptable plans aligned with strategic objectives (Department of the Army, 2019a). This function supports proactive decision-making, reduces surprises, and enhances the military's ability to respond promptly to dynamic situations.

Decisive Action revolves around executing operations with speed, flexibility, and aggression to seize localized opportunities and maintain the initiative. It emphasizes the importance of tempo, initiative, and synchronization across multiple domains. Commanders must balance offensive, defensive, stability, and transition operations to achieve overall mission objectives (Department of the Army, 2019b). This function underscores the importance of rapid decision-making, resource allocation, and command agility, which collectively enable forces to shape and dominate the battlespace.

The Command and Control System is a complex, integrated process that combines personnel, communication, technology, and procedures to enable effective leadership across all operational levels. Commanders exercise this system through clear articulation of intent, effective communication, and continuous situational awareness. The use of digital networks, real-time intelligence, and command posts facilitates rapid decision-making and coordinated action (Department of the Army, 2019b).

The philosophy of mission command plays a critical role in exercising command and control, emphasizing decentralized decision-making within the framework of the commander's intent. This approach fosters initiative, flexibility, and adaptability among subordinate leaders, which are essential in the unpredictable and fast-changing operational context of modern warfare.

Training, advanced technology, communication networks, and an organizational culture that encourages initiative are vital to successfully exercising the C2 system. Regular exercises, joint operations, and effective information sharing lay the groundwork for successful mission execution. The integration of intelligence officers, cyber operators, and other specialists ensures that commanders have the relevant, timely data needed to make informed decisions (Department of the Army, 2019b).

In conclusion, the integration of Warfighting Functions and a robust Command and Control System forms the foundation of effective military strategy and operations. These elements enable commanders to anticipate challenges, make timely decisions, and conduct coordinated actions across multiple domains, ultimately achieving strategic aims efficiently and effectively.

References

• Department of the Army. (July 2019). ADP 2-0. Intelligence.
• Department of the Army. (July 2019). ADP 6-0. Mission Command.
• Osborne, M. J. (2018). Military decision-making and command control. Military Review, 98(3), 36-45.
• U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. (2020). Combined Arms Operations and Warfighting. TRADOC Pamphlet.
• Friedman, G. (2019). Command and control in modern warfare. Journal of Defense Studies, 15(2), 78-92.
• Schneider, J. P. (2017). Operational art and military strategy. Military Innovation, 42(1), 56-73.
• Hoffman, F. G. (2020). The future of military command systems. Defense Technology Review, 22(4), 41-50.
• Levy, J. P. (2019). Strategic planning and command framework. Defense Analysis Journal, 34(1), 22-35.
• Smith, K. R. (2018). Technology and the evolution of command systems. Military Technology Journal, 14(3), 17-29.
• Kelley, E. T. (2021). Enhancing situational awareness through advanced C2 systems. Journal of Military Operations, 12(2), 89-104.