Mission Command and the Starfish Organizational Models: A Comparison of Organizational Philosophies in a Decentralized Combat Environment.

摘要

This study compares the differences and similarities between the U.S. Army's Mission Command philosophy and the decentralized "Starfish" philosophy as applied to a decentralized combat environment. The Attack on the Ranch House battle that took place in Afghanistan provides a prime example of the execution of Mission Command within a U.S. unit, but not necessarily with its Coalition partners. This case study suggests that the U.S. Army's understanding of Mission Command philosophy along with the principles of the "Starfish" can help bridge that gap between the U.S. and its Coalition partners, especially in a decentralized environment. Not bridging the gap may adversely affect the future of military success against future decentralized threats.