Commander's Initial Guidance Essay

The purpose of this short answer essay to determine the commander’s initial guidance. I will begin by clearly and precisely defining the commander’s initial guidance. Secondly, I will contextually provide a clear explanation of the commander’s initial guidance. Lastly, I will provide a contextual example from the 6-9 Calvary battalion warning order.

A commander’s initial guidance is preliminary information or guidance given to direct future operations. Initial guidance includes time allocations, planning approach, outside coordination, collection, and additional staff tasks. The commander’s initial guidance drives the military decision-making process (MDMP), leading to the initial warning order (WARNORD). (FM 3-55, para 3-10, FM 5-0, para 5-27)

The commander shares information, directing all efforts of their staff towards a common goal. Providing initial guidance displays two mission command principles, shared understanding, and commander’s intent. This guidance ensures the staff plans on a unified front and not compartmentalized. The initial guidance is vital for directing any staff operations and planning. The commander creates a shared understanding amongst all participants, streamlining efforts in the proper direction. An example is a commander clearly defining the process and timeline for conducting MDMP. The staff will know how much time and resources to allocate, ensuring mission success. (ADP 6-0, para 1-36 through 1-44, para 1-45 through 1-51)

The 6-9 CAV executive officer provided her initial guidance in eight subsections within the WARNORD (LA). She addressed initial time allocations, and which problem-solving method to use. Also, she addressed outside coordination, movements, and initiation of information collection. She also addressed collaborative planning times, initial information requirement and additional staff