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Operation Husky Research Paper

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In 1943 Allied forces had seen some success in North Africa against the Axis forces. Allied commanders were at odds whether to continue the Mediterranean campaign or execute a cross channel invasion. By January of 1943, Allied commanders seemed content just to keep pressing Axis forces in the Mediterranean, Sicily would be next. Operation Husky, the Allied code name for the invasion of Sicily, eventually led to Allied victory. However, the victory was in spite of numerous Joint Command and Control and function integration deficiencies. Proper planning, execution and leadership, in accordance with joint doctrine, would have provided for a more decisive victory. Additionally, doctrinally correct prosecution of Operation Husky would have likely shortened the battle, prevented Axis forces from evacuating and conserved Allied resources. In this two part essay, I will evaluate Command and Control (C2) and integration of joint functions at the operational level throughout Operation Husky. Joint and …show more content…

Mission command orders allow Warfighters to carry out the commander’s intent as the mission or environment changes. This allows leaders to use disciplined initiative in order to continue to exploit the objective. Trust and a common understanding of the commander’s intent and end state are critical supporting elements of mission command. General Dwight Eisenhower was the Allied Commander in Chief for Operation Husky. Therefore, it was General Eisenhower’s responsibility to develop and coordinate his intent. The orders process should have conveyed a “clear and concise expression of what the force must do and the conditions the force must establish to accomplish the mission” to his British Land, Air and Naval Deputy Commanders. However, the commander’s intent and end state for Operation Husky was not well defined or

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