General Lee Mission Command Analysis

General Robert E. Lee executed poor mission command during the Battle of Gettysburg by not providing a clear commander’s intent, and not creating teams of mutual trust1. General Lee commanded the Confederate Army during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July 1861. The Confederate Army sought supplies before they decisively engaged the Union Army. General Lee’s lack of mission command lost the Battle of Gettysburg3.

General Lee did not establish clear commander’s intent when issuing orders to his cavalry commander. After entering Pennsylvania, General Lee gave the cavalry commander wide latitude in his orders to screen the main column, and did not establish a clear intent. General Lee’s cavalry began a skirmish with the Union Army while traveling beyond their lines of communication. Outlined in ADRP 6-0 the commander must provide a clear and concise expression of the purpose of the operation1. General Lee’s cavalry was absent from the first days of the battle because he did not use clear and concise communication. General Lee’s poor use of mission command deprived him of his cavalry, an important asset.

General Lee did not establish clear commander’s intent when issuing vital orders. Lee ordered a force to take Cemetery Hill if practicable. Lee’s subordinate

His commanders did not obey his orders not to engage the enemy until the Confederate Army was battle ready. The commanders learned the location of suspected militia forces south of Gettysburg. The subordinate commanders decided to engage the enemy and lost the encounter. Had General Lee’s commanders understood his tactical vision regarding not engaging the enemy they might have obeyed his order. ADRP 6-0 states effective commanders build cohesive teams in an environment of mutual trust1. General Lee did not foster mutual trust and cohesion, resulting in a departure from his standing