Examples Of Mission Command Failure

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Mission Command as defined by the United States Army consists six distinct and critical principles. During World War II there were many examples of exemplary mission command that led to stunning victories for the Allies but also many examples of failure. The Battle for Arnhem or Operation Market-Garden was such a failure. Major General Robert Elliot Urquhart, the Commander of the 1st Airborne Division failed in not only in tactics but the ability to lead his division to victory. He did not completely misunderstand the principles of mission command, but four main areas in which he made critical mistakes were; Build a Cohesive Team Through Mutual Trust, Create a Shared Understanding, Accept Prudent Risk, and Exercise Disciplined Initiative. …show more content…

1st Airborne from the outset was having communication issues, and on many occasions, MG Urquhart left his headquarters to gain understanding from his subordinate commanders. At one point in the battle Major General Urquhart and Brigadier Lathbury, his second in command were both hiding in an attic to avoid German forces, greatly diminishing the command and control node of 1st Airborne Division. Communications issued plagued the operation but the Dutch telephone service was still operable during the battle and could have alleviated many problems faced by Major General …show more content…

Unfortunately for the entire army group, Operation Market Garden was to be planned in 7 days. Major General Urquhart’s report on Operation Market states that there was adequate time for the planning of the mission but that due to the necessary risk of multiple airlifts over three days led to the divisions fighting strength to be that of a brigade. In his planning of this Operation, Major General Urquhart had requested more Allied gliders and planes, but seemed content enough to go ahead with the

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