Leadership ISSUE 5.2011 MS&T MAGAZINE
20
the vulnerability and fragility of such systems. This refers not only to the technical but also to the systematic vulnerability of high-tech systems, which becomes evident in error cascades. Finally there is a fundamental issue of reliability and distribution of data (e.g. Byzantine Generals Problem, http://research.microsoft.com/ en-us/um/people/lamport/pubs/byz.pdf ). Does this mean that the overall solution is Auftragstaktik? Certainly not. Modern combat is also about coping with the unpredictable. Still in military operations today the unexpected is the rule and reacting under uncertain circumstances is required every day. It does not help therefore when difficult areas are regulated through detailed conditions and parameters. The more detailed the regulations, the more one tries to predict all the eventualities. But according to Clausewitz this is simply impossible because reality is always more complex than it can be imagined. The technological possibilities do not replace the commander on the ground, but they can support him to assess the situation. Adequate and processed information about the overall situation enables decentralized decision-making
and empowers the commander to act in a responsible manner within the guidelines of the superior’s intent. It still holds true that all communications systems in the world cannot replace the skilled commander on the ground, who also guides himself through instinct and perception. If the commander on the ground, who has been trained to reflect and act independently, can also rely on information technology, the result will be a symbiosis of expertise and social competence assisted by the possibilities of technological decision-making tools.
Conclusion We have shown that the aim of Auftragstaktik is to take rapid and decisive action. The complexity of the modern battlefield often requires high-impact decision-making on the lowest level of command (Strategic Corporal). Technology can help in such situations, but it cannot replace training and leadership skills. Auftragstaktik enables commanders to adapt to changing conditions, to show initiative and react in a flexible way and thus seize the initiative and force the enemy to play by our rules. Auftragstaktik only works when the
subordinates think and act in the higher commander’s intent and recognize the overall concept of operation in an order. It is also decisive that the aim of an operation and the objective to reach be stated unambiguously. It is not only subordinates that are challenged; superiors also have to assume their responsibility. Auftragstaktik does not mean “go ahead”. The subordinate must exactly know what the superior wants him to do and what the conditions are. This requires open and direct communication. Mutual trust is the basis of Auftragstaktik. This shows that Auftragstaktik is about basic attitude. Values such as a responsibility, duty, initiative, decisive action and trust have to be taught and must be transmitted through our own example: Walk the talk. About the Author Marco Sigg, lic. phil. is scientific assistant and lecturer for the Lectureship in Military History at the Military Academy at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Switzerland. The Academy (http://www.milak.ch ) is the educational institution for professional officers of the Swiss Armed Forces. ms&t