What type of command and control system does the Marine Corps use?

• A. Mission command and control.
• B. Centralized command and control.
• C. Automated command and control.
• D. Decentralized command and control.

Answer: (A)

The Marine Corps uses mission command and control. This approach centers on empowering leaders at the lowest practical level to act with initiative, guided by the commander's intent rather than waiting for detailed orders. In practice, senior leaders provide a clear purpose, end state, and constraints, plus the necessary resources, while trusting subordinates to make timely decisions that align with the overall mission. This setup keeps tempo up and ensures unity of effort in dynamic environments.

Centralized command and control would slow decision-making and stifle initiative, which the Marine Corps seeks to avoid. Automated command and control focuses on machines and systems rather than the human judgment and initiative that mission command relies on. Decentralized execution is a component of mission command, but the doctrine specifically names the overall approach as mission command and control.