Commander’s Intent

The term Commander’s Intent comes from military doctrine. US Army FM 100-5: Operations, 1993, states that:

The commander’s intent describes the desired end state. It is a concise expression of the purpose of the operation and must be understood two echelons below the issuing commander. It must clearly state the purpose of the mission. It is the single unifying focus for all subordinate elements. It is not a summary of the concept of the operation. Its purpose is to focus subordinates on the desired end state. Its utility is to focus subordinates on what has to be accomplished in order to achieve success, even when the plan and concept of operations no longer apply, and to discipline their efforts toward that end.

The intent statement is usually written but can be verbal when time is short. It should be concise and clear; long, narrative descriptions of how the commander sees the fight tend to inhibit the initiative of subordinates. A commander’s order should contain the intent statement of the next higher commander.

In short, it is about explaining the intent behind a mission or battle plan alongside the orders of what needs to happen.

When troops understand the purpose of the mission and how their individual actions contribute to it, this gives them the ability to adapt plans to changing situations on the ground, without necessarily needing to first check for new orders. This allows them to operate independently while remaining true to the objectives and overall strategy of the mission.

Commander’s Intent has also been called Leader’s Intent in some organizations, avoiding the military association with the word “Commander”.