Discussion Guide for MCDP 1 Warfighting

[Sean Griffin]

Continuing the distribution of the MCDP 1 Discussion topics introduced today:

10. Describe base unit tactics? Why do we use them?

Base unit tactics is the method by which a leader controls a unit composed of multiple sub-units, such as a rifle squad or platoon. Rather than try to control twelve Marines or even three teams (difficult at best), the squad leader designates a base unit and focuses most of his effort on controlling it. The other teams in this case cue off of the base unit. By controlling the base unit, the squad leader can control tempo and direction of the entire squad. It is important to note that the base unit and the main effort are not the same thing, and may not be the same unit.

(MCDP 1 pages 59-60 and 78-82)

[Sean Griffin]

Continuing the distribution of the MCDP 1 Discussion topics introduced today:

11. Why do we designate a main effort?

The main effort is commonly referred to as the leader’s “bid for success.” We designate a main effort in order to help subordinates focus on their portion of the mission. For example, a platoon commander designates one squad as the main effort and the others as supporting efforts. The tasking statement for the main effort will look a lot like the mission statement for the platoon. The tasking statements for the supporting efforts will focus on allowing the main effort to accomplish its mission.
Typically the main effort is “weighted” in some way. This means that additional assets not organic to that unit will be assigned to it. This could be something tangible (fire support asset, assault team, etc) or intangible (priority in the prep for combat cycle, leadership in the form of the platoon commander himself).

(MCDP 1 pages 91-92)

[Sean Griffin]

Continuing the distribution of the MCDP 1 Discussion topics introduced today:

12. What is commander’s intent and why is it important?

Commander’s intent is the leader’s vision of what the situation will look like at the completion of the mission. This can be expressed in one of several formats. A common way to express intent is through endstate. The leader describes what a snapshot of the battlefield should look like upon completion of the mission with regard to friendly locations and capabilities, enemy locations and capabilities, and/or the terrain.
Commander’s intent is critical because it both allows and establishes the boundaries for subordinate initiative. Leaders should assume that “Plan A” will not work for some reason, and that subordinates will need to find another way. The commander’s intent ensures that actions taken by subordinates in the absence of specific orders will still contribute to mission success.

(MCDP 1 pages 89-91)

[Sean Griffin]

Continuing the distribution of the MCDP 1 Discussion topics introduced today:

13. Why is judgment critical to maneuver warfare?

The goal of maneuver warfare is to decentralize decision-making to the lowest level. As discussed above, leaders focus on telling subordinates what to do but not how. Although the leader will plan a scheme of maneuver which reflects how he or she plans to accomplish the mission, it is understood that “no plan survives first contact” and that subordinates will need to take initiative and act without specific orders within the boundaries of commander’s intent. There will almost never be time for a Marine to notice a gap, report it, wait for orders, and then execute. By then, the enemy has most likely acted first and the opportunity has passed.
Marines at all levels must possess both the courage and willingness to make decisions with limited information, and the good judgment to ensure that those decisions are sound. This is why, in addition to proficiency, individual character is so critical to success in battle.

(MCDP 1 pages 85-87)