Initiative as a Measure of Battle Command Effectiveness.

The June 1993 version of FM 100-5, Operations, introduced the concept of battle command into United States Army Doctrine. The battle command concept emphasizes the art of command' and implies that battle command drives the requirements for command and control process and systems. In order to place the same emphasis on the training of our commanders, a measure of battle command effectiveness is needed which addresses the art of command. This measure would also assist in the definition of requirements for command and control processes and systems. This monograph determines if the concept of initiative is a viable measure of battle command effectiveness. It analyzes this issue by first examining the battle command concept. Command and control theory is studied to establish its relationship to battle command. Decision making and leadership are studied to determine the essential qualities of effective battle command. The monograph then examines the concept of initiative. Battle initiative and individual initiative are studied to determine their relationship to each other and to success in battle. Finally, the monograph examines initiative as a measure of effectiveness. The characteristics of initiative are compared to the essential qualities of effective battle command to determine if initiative as a measure of effectiveness is relevant to battle command. The monograph develops a framework of analysis for battle command using initiative as a measure of effectiveness to establish the measure's usefulness. This monograph concludes that initiative is a viable measure of battle command effectiveness. Initiative, as a measure of effectiveness, addresses the essential qualities of effective battle command and it has enough resolution to provide a vehicle for discussion and analysis of battle command in real or simulated situations. Initiative provides a basis for feedback to a commander to assess his degree of success or failure in applying the art of command and provides insight toward what effective battle command is without restricting the creative instincts of commanders.