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The commander's intent is the most important element of the commander's battlespace area evaluation.
Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 5, Planning, states that "the commander is probably the single most important factor in effective planning." The central role of the commander in planning is also doctrinally codified in Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 5-1, Marine Corps Planning Process. The commander draws on his experience to visualize the relationship between friendly forces, enemy forces, and the battlespace. The commander envisions the interaction of these elements over time and how he will achieve a decision that leads to the desired end state. He initiates planning by communicating this vision through the most important element of the commander's battlespace area evaluation (CBAE)-the commander's intent.
MCWP 5-1 discusses CBAE in detail. This article focuses on the commander's intent and the difficulties that the MAGTF (Marine Air-- Ground Task Force) Staff Training Program (MSTP) has observed in commanders crafting this critical element that drives planning and provides the implicit communications necessary to execute our warfighting doctrine of maneuver warfare.
According to MCDP 1, Warfighting, the purpose of a commander's intent is: to allow subordinates to exercise judgment and initiative-to depart from the original plan when the unforeseen occurs-in a way that is consistent with higher commanders' aims.
As Marines, we have long recognized the importance of commander's intent in execution. We have not always been as effective, however, in applying commander's intent in planning.
MCWP 5-1 defines commander's intent as:
the commander's personal expression of the purpose of the operation. It must be clear, concise, and easily understood. It may also include how a commander envisions achieving a decision as...