1. Character, Trust, and Mission Command
Prevailing in Large-Scale
Combat Operations:
Character, Trust, and Mission Command

2. SMA: Trust and Mission Command Video
Source:

3. Learning Objectives
Define character – intrinsically and operationally – in the context of mission command and large-scale combat operations
Explain why character is essential in conduct of the mission, performance of duty, and all aspects of life
Explain the interdependent relationships between character, trust, and mission command
Explain The Army’s Framework for Character Development and the mutually supporting nature of culture, climate, and identity
Illustrate through vignettes the responsibilities of strategic, organizational, and direct leaders and followers in character development within the “Army Leader Development Strategy”

4. Character Development Whiteboard Video
Full Video:
Abridged Video:

5. Character
Operationally, character is dedication and adherence to the Army Ethic, including Army Values, as consistently and faithfully demonstrated in decisions and actions.
Intrinsically, character is one’s true nature, including identity, sense of purpose, values, virtues, morals, and conscience.

6. The Army Ethic Honorable Servants of the Nation Army Experts
We serve honorably—according to the Army Ethic—under civilian authority while obeying the laws of the Nation and all legal orders; further, we reject and report illegal, unethical, or immoral orders or actions.
We take pride in honorably serving the Nation with integrity, demonstrating character in all aspects of our lives.
In war and peace, we recognize the intrinsic dignity and worth of all people, treating them with respect.
We lead by example and demonstrate courage by doing what is right despite risk, uncertainty, and fear; we candidly express our professional judgment to subordinates, peers, and superiors.
We do our duty, leading and following with discipline, striving for excellence, putting the needs of others above our own, and accomplishing the mission as a team.
We accomplish the mission and understand it may demand courageously risking our lives and justly taking the lives of others.
We continuously advance the expertise of our chosen profession through life-long learning, professional development, and our certifications.
We embrace and uphold the Army Values and standards of the profession, always accountable to each other and the American people for our decisions and actions.
We wisely use the resources entrusted to us, ensuring our Army is well led and well prepared, while caring for Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Families.
We continuously strengthen the essential characteristics of the Army Profession, reinforcing our bond of trust with each other and the American people.
Professionals of Character
Competent Professionals
Committed Professionals
Honorable Servants of the Nation
Army Experts
Stewards of the Army Profession
Trusted Army Professionals

7. Trusted Army Professionals
Our Shared Identity:
Trusted Army Professionals
Competence
Commitment
Character
TRUST
2-Minutes – 11:08
Ask: What is character?
Seek: Character is defined both intrinsically and operationally in ADRP 1: Intrinsically—One’s true nature, including identity, sense of purpose, values, virtues, morals, and conscience. Operationally—An Army professional’s dedication and adherence to the Army Ethic, including Army Values, as consistently and faithfully demonstrated in decisions and actions.  [ADRP 1]

8. Mission Command Mission Command
is the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander's intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders in the conduct of unified land operations.
Principles of mission command
Build cohesive teams through mutual trust
Create shared understanding
Provide a clear commander’s intent
Exercise disciplined initiative
Use mission orders
Accept prudent risk

9. CSA: Character, Trust, and Mission Command Video
General Officer Option
Source:

10. Demonstrated in our decisions and actions consistent with the Army Ethic
Character:
Commitment
TRUST
Competence
Character
Dependent upon mutual trust. Trust that subordinates will act with disciplined initiative and accept prudent risk. Trust that senior leaders will underwrite mistakes made with honest intent.
Mission Command:
Principles of Mission Command
Build cohesive teams through
mutual trust
Create shared understanding
Provide a clear commander’s intent Exercise disciplined initiative
Use mission orders
Accept prudent risk
TRUST
Relies on our character, competence, and commitment in performance of duty with discipline and to standard – while striving for excellence
Trust:

11. The Army’s Framework for Character Development
The Army’s Framework for Character Development is the ALDS, implemented in accordance with the Army Ethic and synchronized at all levels of leadership: direct, organizational, and strategic.
The Army’s Framework for Character Development
Climate
Education
Training
Experience
Certification
Readiness
Mission
Army
Organizations
Organizational Leader Responsibilities
Culture
Recruiting
Policies-Regulations
Concepts-Doctrine
Programs-Systems
Force Structure
Infrastructure
Budget
Army
as an Institution
Strategic Leader
Responsibilities
Army Leader Development Strategy
In Accordance With
The Army Ethic
INTERDEPENDENT
&
MUTUALLY SUPPORTING
Character
Competence
Commitment
Trusted
Army Professional
INTERDEPENDENT
MUTUALLY SUPPORTING
&
MUTUALLY SUPPORTING
INTERDEPENDENT
&
Identity
Uphold the Army Ethic
Self-Development
Lifelong Learning
Coach-Counsel-Mentor
Ready & Resilient
Soldier for Life
Individual
Direct Leader - Follower Responsibilities

12. Direct Leader – Follower
Individual
Direct Leader – Follower
Responsibilities
Identity
Uphold the Army Ethic
Self-Development
Lifelong Learning
Coach-Counsel-Mentor
Ready & Resilient
Soldier for Life

13. Organizational Leader
Army
Organizations
Organizational Leader
Responsibilities
Climate
Education
Training
Experience
Certification
Readiness
Mission

14. Policies-Regulations
Army
as an Institution
Strategic Leader
Responsibilities
Culture
Recruiting
Policies-Regulations
Concepts-Doctrine
Programs-Systems
Force Structure
Infrastructure
Budget

15. Direct: Organizational: Strategic:
Explore the responsibilities of direct leaders and followers and how they impact the shared identity of the Soldiers in their squad.
Explore the responsibilities of organizational leaders and how they impact climate and shared identity of Army Civilians and Soldiers in a Garrison.
Explore the responsibilities of strategic leaders and advisors and how they impact culture through their decision and actions.
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16. Reflection
How will this information benefit you in the future?
How could you use what you’ve learned today in your organizations?
What is your main takeaway?
Why do you think it is important for you to understand this material?
How does all of this fit together?

17. Your feedback is important for Strengthening the Army Profession!
Visit the link below or scan the Quick Reference (QR) code on your smart phone to provide feedback on this America’s Army – Our Profession lesson plan.

18. Visit us at http://cape.army.mil
Products and Materials for Development as Trusted Army Professionals