Auftragstaktik: Empowering Law Enforcement Leaders for Effective Decision-Making

Introduction

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In today's rapidly evolving and complex law enforcement landscape, leaders are constantly seeking innovative ways to adapt and respond to emerging challenges. One such approach that has its roots in military doctrine but holds great potential for law enforcement is Auftragstaktik, also known as mission-type tactics or mission command. This article explores what Auftragstaktik is and how it can be effectively used by law enforcement leaders today.

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Understanding Auftragstaktik

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Helmuth von Moltke, who served as the Chief of the Prussian General Staff during the Franco-Prussian War, described Auftragstaktik as the initiative a subordinate should take to act in support of the higher commander's objectives when explicit orders are not given.

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Auftragstaktik, a German term for "mission tactics," is widely used in the military as a leadership and command philosophy that emphasizes giving subordinates a clear mission and intent while granting them significant autonomy to make decisions on how to accomplish their objectives. This approach stands in contrast to more traditional, top-down command structures and promotes decentralized decision-making and initiative.

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Key Principles of Auftragstaktik

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1.??? Mission Clarity: In Auftragstaktik, leaders provide a clear and concise mission statement, outlining the overall goal and intent. This ensures that everyone understands the objective and the broader context in which they are operating.

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2.??? Initiative: Subordinate leaders are encouraged to take the initiative and adapt to changing situations on the ground. This empowers them to make decisions based on their expertise and understanding of the local environment.

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3.??? Trust and Responsibility: Trust is a fundamental element of Auftragstaktik. Leaders trust their subordinates to carry out their tasks effectively and responsibly. This trust is reciprocated by subordinates who feel a sense of ownership over their missions.

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4.??? Decentralized Decision-Making: Auftragstaktik allows for decentralized decision-making, reducing the need for constant micromanagement. Subordinate leaders have the flexibility to adjust their plans as necessary to achieve the mission's success.

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Application in Law Enforcement

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While Auftragstaktik has its origins in the military, its principles can be applied effectively in law enforcement today. Here are some ways law enforcement leaders can incorporate Auftragstaktik into their strategies:

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1.??? Clear Mission Statements: Provide clear and concise mission statements for specific operations or initiatives. This ensures that officers understand the objectives and can align their actions accordingly. See my article on BAMCIS.

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2.??? Empowerment and Training: Train officers to make informed decisions in the field. Equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle a variety of situations independently.

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3.??? Trust and Accountability: Build trust within the organization by giving officers the responsibility to execute their missions autonomously. Hold them accountable for their actions and decisions. In the words of General David Petraeus, USA (Ret.), “In the absence of orders, figure out what they should have been?and execute aggressively.”

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4.??? Flexibility in Response: Encourage adaptability in response to evolving situations. Allow officers to adjust tactics as needed while maintaining the overall mission's intent.

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5.??? Feedback and Evaluation: After missions or operations, conduct thorough debriefs to learn from experiences and improve future decision-making. This is an area where we are lacking in law enforcement patrol operations (SWAT seems to get it). Our partners in the fire world are expert at debriefing and learning from their calls.?

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Conclusion

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Auftragstaktik, with its focus on clear mission intent and decentralized decision-making, offers a valuable approach for law enforcement leaders in today's dynamic and challenging environment. By embracing the principles of Auftragstaktik and adapting them to their specific needs, law enforcement agencies can empower their officers and enhance their ability to respond effectively to a wide range of situations, ultimately fostering safer communities and achieving their mission objectives.