1-108. The fundamental basis of mission command is tactically and technically competent commanders and subordinates with a shared understanding of purpose who can be trusted to make ethical and effective decisions in the absence of further guidance. This allows commanders to focus on their intent, and it allows staffs to generate the mission orders essential to decentralized execution. Subordinates are empowered to decide when to adapt their assigned tasks to achieve the overall purpose of an operation. This requires commanders to accept risk on their subordinates’ behalf and subordinates to assume responsibility for the initiative necessary for success.