Captains Career Course Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Mission command is best described by the concept of decentralized decision-making. This approach emphasizes empowering subordinate leaders to make decisions based on the understanding of the commander's intent, the operational environment, and the specific situation they encounter. It fosters initiative, agility, and adaptability among leaders at all levels when executing tasks, enabling a more effective and responsive organization.

Decentralized decision-making aligns with the tenets of mission command by promoting trust, shared understanding, and mutual respect within the chain of command. Leaders are encouraged to exercise judgment, make informed decisions, and seize opportunities within their areas of responsibility, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of military operations.

In contrast, centralized execution, strict hierarchical control, and overarching supervision tend to limit the autonomy of subordinate leaders, undermining the principles of mission command that focus on flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments.