2-37. By the time of the Civil War, the growth of armies in size and complexity extended forces beyond the direct view of one person. Commanders could no longer personally control all the forces under their command. As a result, American commanders began to practice an approach that favored decentralized execution. This approach meant using mission orders that emphasized the purpose of an operation to achieve a desired end state rather than the accomplishment of individual tasks. Subordinate leaders at all echelons were required to exercise initiative within the commander’s intent to accomplish missions.