Auftragstaktik is the term used by German military leaders in the post-World War II years to describe the system of command that evolved in the Prussian and German Army in the 19th and 20th centuries. Auftragstaktik is usually translated into English as mission tactics. This is appropriate because German commanders at all levels assign missions to subordinate leaders but do not prescribe the methods by which the subordinates are to accomplish them. Auftragstaktik also includes the expectation that junior leaders will use their initiative to find the best way of carrying out the commanders intent even if it entails deviating from the mission and/or disobeying orders. During the past two decades many American soldiers have come to understand and embrace these aspects of Auftragstaktik, and have incorporated them into U. S. Army doctrine. But respect for the judgment and trust in the initiative of subordinate leaders are only two manifestations of the complex set of values, perceptions, and behavior that comprise Auftragstaktik. - Faris R. Kirkland, Ph.D., LTC, USA-ret., Self-Care, Psychological Integrity, and Auftragstaktik, 1996
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 11:45:01 +0000
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