China's Military May Adopt Flexible Command Structure
A new report by the Rand Corporation explores the possibility of China embracing the Western concept of mission command, which could improve its military's operational performance.
A Chinese military that fully embraces mission command would likely lead to improved operational performance, with quicker decision-making, better adaptability, and greater resilience in the face of degraded C4ISR.
Researchers warn that Chinese military reformers are pushing for the People's Liberation Army to adopt mission command, which would make its system more flexible and decentralized.
- Improved operational performance
- Quicker decision-making
- Better adaptability
- Greater resilience in the face of degraded C4ISR
This shift could make China's military more resistant to US tactics, challenging the long-held assumption that China's rigid command structure is a weakness.
Author's summary: China may adopt a more flexible command structure.