Write a Commander’s Intent
A commander’s intent is a short statement that binds purpose and end state so that subordinates can improvise without diverging.
Steps
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Name the purpose. One sentence: why this action is being taken (not what tasks will be done).
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Name 2–3 key tasks. Only tasks that are decisive for the purpose. Avoid listing everything.
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Name the end state. Describe what must be true when the operation ends (conditions, not activities).
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Add a boundary. State one explicit constraint (what must not happen), so initiative has a safe edge.
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Stress-test. Ask: if communications fail, can a subordinate still act coherently using only this intent?
Output
A 4–6 sentence intent statement (purpose, key tasks, end state, constraint).