Battle Command: An Approach to Wickedness

This monograph proposes that current Army doctrine is an adequate tool to achieve the desired results proposed in the concepts of Operational Design. Because Army doctrine prescribes approaches that solve problems, it is important to understand the nature of problems, especially as they relate to the operational environment. Problems range from well-structured, easily defined problems with attainable solutions, to medium-structured, difficult to define problems without routine solution, to ill-structured problems without a clear solution. There are two broad approaches to addressing ill-structured problems. One can take a problem-focused approach that prioritizes a robust knowledge of the environment from which the problem has emerged. Or, one can take a solution-focused approach that uses the power of proposing solutions as the means to gaining an understanding of the ill-structured problem. By providing a robust explanation of ill-structured problems, it can be shown that existing Army doctrine proves adequate to address and resolve complex operational problems. The doctrinal precept of Battle Command is the Army's solution-focused approach. Commanders must understand the nature of their environment, the disposition of the adversary, and the capabilities of friendly forces to frame the operational problem. From this understanding they visualize broad approaches to solving that problem. It is through this visualization of solution that commanders gain a true appreciation of the context of the problem. This monograph will demonstrate that the doctrinal precept of Battle Command provides a complete expression for addressing ill-structured problems. The original document contains color images.