Commanders’ Intent

• A Commander’s Intent provides initial structure before an operation but allows those closest to the work, autonomous agents, to make their own decisions as to how to accomplish the initial goal:
  • “It provides focus to the staff and helps subordinate and supporting commanders act to achieve the commander’s objectives without further orders once the operation begins, even when the operation does not unfold as planned” (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2018: II-7)

• A Commander’s Intent aids in developing subordinates’ situational awareness and decision-making capabilities in complex environments

• For TFS, the Leader’s Intent is used because it is more recognizable to the larger organizational audience

• A Commander’s Intent is accomplished through seven planning process steps:
  1. Planning Initiation
  2. Mission Analysis
  3. Course of Action Development
  4. Course of Action Analysis and Wargaming
  5. Course of Action Comparison
  6. Course of Action Approval
  7. Plan or Order Development

Ref: The Flow System: The Evolution of Agile and Lean Thinking in an Age of Complexity (p. 40). Aquiline Books|UNT. Kindle Edition.