What is the role of a commander?

The role of a commander encompasses several essential responsibilities and skills, as discussed by experts like Jocko Willink and Stanley McChrystal.

1. Understanding the Situation: A commander must study the current situation, understand how it developed, and anticipate how it might evolve. This includes considering factors such as the mission, enemy, terrain, weather, and available resources. Developing situational awareness is crucial for making effective decisions quickly and adapting to changing conditions 1.

2. Clear Objectives and Firm Guidance: Commanders need to clearly know and communicate their objectives, creating an atmosphere where subordinate commanders and troops understand the fundamental policies and goals. Effective leadership involves providing clear, concise orders while allowing subordinates the freedom to execute tasks using their initiative 2.

3. Pattern Recognition and Decision Making: A key skill for commanders is pattern recognition—understanding the significance and dynamics of a situation with limited information. Commanders must make decisions in environments characterized by friction, uncertainty, and danger. While analytical decision-making is useful when time allows, intuitive decision-making based on experience is often necessary during engagements 1 3.

   Understanding the Situation

   Jocko Willink

   Jocko emphasizes the importance of a commander understanding the situation by studying its current state, how it got there, and how it might develop. By considering various factors and thinking through all actions, a commander can develop increased situational awareness and make effective decisions in a constantly changing environment.

   

   Jocko Podcast

   Jocko Podcast 187 w/ Dave Berke: Principles, Tactics, and Creativity Dominates

   Explore similar conversationsView full episode summary

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

4. Leading from the Front: A commander must position themselves where they can best influence the battle, which is often at points of high friction. This practice, known as leading from the front, enables commanders to directly impact the outcome by being present where critical decisions are made 4.

5. Direct and Personal Command: Giving verbal orders fosters a greater influence on the battle and builds mutual confidence between the commander and their subordinates. Written orders are still important but should complement verbal instructions to ensure clarity and understanding 5.

6. Mentorship and Role Clarity: Effective commanders clarify roles and responsibilities, both for themselves and their subordinates. Understanding the chain of command and how to solve problems at different levels ensures that everyone can execute their duties confidently and competently 2.

These elements collectively define the role of a commander, emphasizing situational awareness, clear communication, decision-making skills, front-line leadership, personal command, and mentorship.