The Changing Character—and Enduring Nature—of Command

Philip Swintek, Charlie Phelps, Rudy Weisz and Matt Linarelli

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The United States Army’s shift away from the counterinsurgency focus that dominated the early twenty-first century toward preparing for large-scale combat operations has been going on for nearly a decade. Discussion about that shift is dominated by a focus on technology and adoption of innovations, and it is already forcing a reimagination of a wide range of activities—from intelligence to communications to sustainment. But what about command of ground forces?

All four of us have served during a period that spans the Army’s transition from low-intensity conflict and stability operations to preparing for tomorrow’s major war. Our experiences, like those of a generation of officers, highlight fundamental differences in what is required to succeed as a ground force commander as conditions change. But they also highlight deep-seated, permanent truths. In effect, the character of command changes, but its underlying nature remains the same.