What is the commander's intent?

What is the commander's intent?

• A. The commander's intent is clear and concise expression of the purpose of the operation and the desired military end state that supports mission command, provides focus to the staff, and helps subordinate and support commanders act to achieve the commander's desired result without further orders, even when the operation does not unfold as planned.
• B. The commander's intent is a detailed plan of every action.
• C. The commander's intent is a legal instruction manual for command.
• D. The commander's intent is a schedule of commander's meetings.

Answer: (A)

The commander's intent is a concise expression of why the operation is being conducted and what end state is desired, framed so that, under mission command, staff and subordinates can act with initiative if the plan changes. It provides clear focus and guidance that keeps everyone aligned toward the same result, even when events don’t unfold as expected. It’s not a detailed action-by-action plan, nor a legal instruction manual, nor a schedule of meetings.

The commander's intent is a concise expression of why the operation is being conducted and what end state is desired, framed so that, under mission command, staff and subordinates can act with initiative if the plan changes. It provides clear focus and guidance that keeps everyone aligned toward the same result, even when events don’t unfold as expected. It’s not a detailed action-by-action plan, nor a legal instruction manual, nor a schedule of meetings.