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Concept
Mission-type tactics
Summary
Mission-type tactics (German: Auftragstaktik, from Auftrag and Taktik; also known as mission command in the United States and the United Kingdom) are military tactics where the emphasis is placed on the outcome of a mission rather than on specific methods. Mission-type tactics have been a central component of German armed forces' military tactics since the 19th century.
The term Auftragstaktik was coined by the tactic's opponents, who preferred Normaltaktiker. In the modern German Army, the Bundeswehr, the term Auftragstaktik is considered to be an incorrect characterization of the concept; instead, Führen mit Auftrag ("leading by mission") is used. However, the older but unofficial term is more widespread.
In mission-type tactics, the military commander gives subordinate leaders a clearly-defined objective, the forces needed to accomplish that objective and a timeframe in which the objective must be accomplished. The subordinate leaders then decide on methods to achieve the objective independently. To a large extent, the subordinate leaders are given the planning initiative and a freedom in execution, which allows a high degree of flexibility at the operational and tactical levels of command. That frees the higher leadership from managing the tactical details.
For the success of the mission-type tactics, the subordinate leaders must understand the orders' intent and be trained to act independently. The success of the doctrine rests upon the subordinates' understanding of the intent of the issuer of the orders issuer and their willingness to achieve the goal even if their actions violate other guidance or received orders.
Taking the risks of violating previously expressed limitations as a routine step to achieving a mission is a behaviour that is most easily sustained in a particular type of innovative culture, which is today often associated with elite units, rather than an entire army.
Mission-type tactics are advocated but not always used by the chain of command in the US Army, Canadian and the Dutch Army and the British Army.
Official source
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