were told what to do and how to do it. No thought was given to telling a subordinate why a task was to be performed or why a particular approach was preferable. Certainly, no thought was given to either consulting with or informing subordinates ahead of time concerning a decision or a proposed change which would affect them. At least, that scenario is what conventional wisdom would have one believe. Military organizations, of course, are authoritarian by nature. Adherence to authority is essential in such organizations. The very nature of military operations particularly combat operations, however, tends to be characterized by decentralization and, at times, isolation. Military commanders at subordinate levels, therefore, must be prepared to act independently, and military commanders at the highest levels must not only tolerate suc
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