CMSI Translations #13: Mission Command Is Not The Antidote

“Mission command” (renwushi zhihui) has become a buzzword across all branches of the U.S. military. The concept came into being in the early 19th century, borne from Prussian military experience, and became a treasured concept in Prussian/German military doctrine. Simply put, mission command is the delegation of decision-making power. The reason for delegating or subordinating decision-making is because, when compared with higher echelon command, front line units often have better situational awareness of their given area, and delegation of decision making authority can allow them to fully utilize this cognitive advantage and seize the time critical battle initiative.https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-translations/1012/thumbnail.jp

Toward a Sea-Power Strategy—Chinese Communist Party Debates and Consensus Building under Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping

China’s rise as a major maritime and naval power in recent decades resulted from a deliberate policy choice, but that choice was not an uncontroversial one. Internal Chinese Communist Party debate about naval power was resolved by balancing entrenched continental interests, resulting in an integrated but possibly compromised policy approach

The 4th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference: International Law: Conflict at Sea

Hosted annually by the Stockton Center for International Law, the Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference brings together judge advocates, scholars, and practitioners from across the world to develop and shape international maritime law and governance. This year, we will focus on international law and conflict at sea, examining current operations and emerging issues to include disruptive technologies at sea, maritime law enforcement, Russia and regional maritime security, and maritime security challenges in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and greater Indo-Pacific. Event | The 4th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference: International Law: Conflict at Sea Program Flyerhttps://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cushing-conference/1002/thumbnail.jp

The 5th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference: International Law and Conflict at Sea

Hosted annually by the Stockton Center for International Law, the 5th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference brings together judge advocates, scholars, and practitioners from across the world to analyze international law and conflict at sea. This year, the Conference will focus on Law of the Sea & Maritime Security; Marine Environmental Security; Disruptive Technology at Sea; Armed Conflict at Sea; Indo-Pacific Maritime Security; Great Power Competition and International Law; and the Law of Naval Warfare, among other topics. Event | 5th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference: International Law and Conflict at Sea Event Flyerhttps://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cushing-conference/1001/thumbnail.jp

War without Surprises—Education for Command in the People’s Liberation Army Navy

The PLA Navy will play a key role in any flash points and conflicts in the western Pacific. This study of professional military education for senior PLA Navy officers supplements analyses of platforms and capabilities with a look at how senior navy commanders are prepared to lead in combat

Changes in U.S. Indo-Pacific Military Strategy and U.S. Bases in Okinawa

The U.S. forces based on Okinawa in Japan’s Ryukyu Islands are critical to America’s strategic position in the western Pacific, its defense cooperation with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, and U.S. security guarantees to Japan itself. Local opposition to hosting those forces and the subsequent uncertainty and consolidation of bases have bearings on that position and demand reevaluation