Define the term "mission command."

Mission command is a leadership philosophy that emphasizes decentralization and the empowerment of subordinates to make decisions aligned with the commander's intent. It focuses on enabling individuals at all levels of command to exercise initiative and flexibility in dynamic situations, while still adhering to the overall goals and objectives set by the higher command.

This approach fosters a culture of trust and shared understanding, allowing for quicker and more effective responses to changing circumstances on the ground. Subordinates are trained and expected to interpret the commander's intent in the context of real-time challenges, ensuring that actions taken are in line with the mission’s goals, even if they do not directly adhere to specific orders.

In contrast, the other choices reflect a more rigid, top-down approach to leadership, which does not enhance the ability of subordinates to act independently or adaptively. These options do not capture the essence of mission command, which is about trust, initiative, and flexibility in decision-making.