Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The implications, characteristics and functions of
commanding
Firuz ABDUSALOMOV
Center for Foreign Languages of the Academy of the MIA of the Republic of Uzbekistan
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received July 2024
Received in revised form
10 August 2024
Accepted 25 August 2024
Available online
25 September 2024
This article is devoted to the types, effects, characteristics, and
tasks of military orders, the main structural elements of orders,
specific aspects of issuing military orders, technical aspects of
the order, and its history.
2181-3701
/©
2024 in Science LLC.
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss3
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
order,
documentation,
military order,
sentence,
decree,
legal document.
Buyruq berishning oqibatlari, xususiyatlari va funksiyalari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
buyruq,
hujjatlashtirish,
harbiy buyruq,
hukm,
qaror,
huquqiy hujjat.
Ushbu maqola harbiy buyruqlarning turlari, ta’siri, xususiyatlari
va vazifalari, buyruqlarning asosiy tarkibiy elementlari, harbiy
buyruq berishning o‘ziga xos jihatlari hamda buyruq
texnik
taomillari va uning tarixi masalalariga bag‘ishlangan.
Последствия, характеристики и функции управления
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
приказ,
документация,
военный приказ,
приговор
,
решение,
юридический документ
.
Данная статья посвящена вопросам видов, действия,
характеристик и задач военных приказов, основным
структурным элементам приказов, особенностям издания
военных приказов, техническим аспектам приказа и его
истории.
1
Senior teacher-methodologist, Center for Foreign Languages of the Academy of the MIA of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
358
INTRODUCTION
The command language is instrumental in conveying orders, commands,
instructions, and strategic objectives. The importance of understanding the implications,
characteristics, and functions of commanding lies in its influence on decision-making,
organizational structure, and the execution of complex operations. This article delves into
the characteristics, implications, and objectives of the commanding genre in linguistics, its
methods of deployment, resulting impacts, and the broader implications for leadership and
governance.
Ideas can be expressed for a variety of purposes, including the purpose of expressing
one’s opinion to others, encouraging someone
, and asking for something. For this purpose,
Fortunatov [9, 48] proposed to divide sentences into 3 types: verb, command and
interrogative.
Both the forms of command and desire have the meanings of command and desire,
that is, the forms of the first person have the meaning of desire, the forms of the second
person have the meaning of command, and the forms of the third person have the
meanings of both desire and command.
The command is a legal document issued by the head of an organization (its
structural subdivision) acting on a sole basis to address the main and operational tasks of
the organ. “Command” is issued
to approve and implement documents (statutes,
instructions, rules, regulations, etc.) in case of reorganization, liquidation, approval and
change of the structure and staff of the organization, financing, logistics, scientific and
technical policy, information and documentation, social policy and other issues.
Military scholar Sh.Z. Dolimov [10, 36] explains the term command as follows:
a) “A legal document based on solitude
-control. It is used to solve the main and day-
to-day tasks of a particular institution or other type of organization. The main text of the
order consists of the justification (introduction) and the parts of the command. In the
introductory part, the purpose, conditions, and reasons of the order are specified, and the
order on which it is based is specified (name, number, date). Some orders may not need to
be substantiated, in which case they can also be issued directly with the order part;
b) Written or oral instructions of the chiefs of the Armed Forces, which must be
followed by subordinates. The order is executed without discussion and criticism. By
order, the troops are given combat missions. The life and daily activities of the army,
institutions,
and military educational institutions are regulated through command”.
METHODS
To comprehend the implications, characteristics, and functions of commanding,
multidisciplinary approach is employed, drawing insights from military, historical,
linguistics, psychology, and political science. The analysis involves the examination of
command language patterns, the psychological impact of authoritative communication,
and the historical evolution of command structures in military and political contexts.
Additionally, case studies and empirical evidence are utilized to illustrate the practical
application of command in real-world scenarios.
RESULTS
In military contexts, the use of command language is integral to instilling discipline,
coordinating tactical operations, and ensuring swift responses to critical situations.
Similarly, in political settings, the deployment of authoritative language through
commands shapes the power dynamics, influences policy implementation, and projects
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
359
leadership authority. The psychological impact of receiving and delivering commands also
plays a significant role in shaping the behavior and mindset of individuals within the
hierarchical structure. The implications, characteristics and functions of commanding are
characterized by a distinct set of linguistic features, encompassing imperative statements,
clear directives, and authoritative tone.
Every managerial personnel must not deviate from certain rules of language when
issuing orders, that is, he must follow certain rules of language. Perfect and reasonable
well-organized documentation is the basis of office work in any organization. In this
regard, U. Boymatova, D. Sobirjonova and S. Sagdieva classified documents in the following
4 types of administrative activities, mainly by position [11, 87];
a) Organizational documents
–
the content reflects issues such as the legal status of
organizations and enterprises, their branches and employees, the registration of public
participation in the management process, the legal aspects of relations with other
organizations. Regulations, instructions, statements of meetings, agreements are among
such organizational documents.
b) Order documents
–
this group includes orders, directives and instructions.
c) Information documents
–
a very large group, the participation of such documents
in the office process is very active. This group includes documents such as act, reference,
application, explanatory letter, report, letter of attorney, recommendation.
d) Service correspondence
–
this type of document varies in content. They reflect
the requirements, requests, offers, guarantees, etc. related to various issues of the
organization. In this sense, service correspondence is related to all three of the above
groups of documents, so it is not advisable to include service documents in a particular
group. With this in mind, service correspondence is classified in modern documentation
as the 4
th
separate group after these groups, and this is logical.
Military order (instruction, command), including an individual command by an
armed forces officer to a person under his command. General order, a published directive
originated by a commander of a military organization. Operations order, an executable
plan
that directs a unit on how to conduct a military operation [12]. Commander’s tactical
proficiency is closely correlated with his ability to issue commands. The commander
usually issues an effective order if he accurately assesses the situation and makes a firm
tactical judgment. On the other hand, a commander who lacks decision-making ability
frequently fails to issue a successful order. Delivering combat orders, like tactical decision-
making, is an art. Commanders need to practice making choices and giving instructions
often in order to be effective. A capable commander stays away from long order
procedures or overly structured forms. They reduce the adaptability and raise the
possibility of misunderstandings. They frequently have to tailor commands to the skills of
the people receiving them. When giving instructions to subordinates who are new or
inexperienced, a commander will go into greater detail than when giving instructions to
those he knows and trusts [1, 37].
As mentioned above, a good knowledge of the state language and adherence to the
methods of official work of each manager will effectively contribute to the improvement
and formation of documentation. In the preparation and execution of the document, first
of all, it is important to have a certain understanding of all the laws of the Uzbek language.
Only if the text of the document is clear, concise, understandable, comprehensible and full
of content then it can effectively affect the efficiency of the office process. There are also
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
360
peculiarities in the use of verb forms in the creation of command texts, including the use
of third-person imperative verbs in the past tense or past (or present-future) tense is
considered.
During certain scenarios, a higher level of control may be required, rendering
mission tactics impractical. This increased level of control is typically implemented during
peacetime live-fire exercises, prioritizing precision over flexibility. Employ mission-type
orders whenever the circumstances permit, however, their utilization should not serve as
a justification to forgo analysis or diminish discipline. Keep in mind that a proficient
combat order encompasses more than just conveying information. It is imperative to
effectively communicate our intentions [4, 58]. A well-crafted order serves as both
motivation and instruction. The assurance and fervor with which you deliver the order
hold equal significance to the order itself. Combat orders are distinguished from
administrative orders by their purpose and tactical action. There are several types of
combat orders; the most common are the: a) Operation order; b) Warning order; c)
Fragmentary order.
An operation order is “a directive issued by a commander to subordinate
commanders for the purpose of effecting the coordinated execution of an operation” [2,
144]. Commanders at all echelons use operation orders. Operation orders can be issued
verbally or in written form. In written format, they can range from a concise one or two-
page document to a substantial volume resembling a phone book. Additionally, they may
be commonly known as five-paragraph orders. In the context of smaller units, operation
orders are frequently referred to by the specific action they aim to accomplish. Operations
orders frequently include multiple annexes that provide detailed information on fire
support, communication, air or maritime movement, and other specific aspects. While
annexes are a standard feature in battalion and higher-level orders, they are not commonly
found in typical platoon attack orders.
A warning order serves as an initial notification of an upcoming order or action. Its
main objective is to give subordinate units time to prepare while commanders finalize the
planning process. Essentially, a warning order is a simple “heads up” [5, 377].
To create a
warning order effectively, it is crucial to gather all relevant information and organize it
following the 5-paragraph order format. There are various ways to communicate this
order. During patrolling operations, we will become familiar with common methods of
delivering a warning order to our subordinates. It is important not to delay issuing a
warning order just because we may not have all the desired information at that moment.
Fragmentary order. A fragmentary order is a condensed version of an operation
order, typically issued daily to avoid repeating information already included in a basic
operations order. It can be issued in segments. Fragmentary orders are frequently
require
d in response to enemy activity. As the saying goes, “no plan survives contact with
the enemy”. Therefore, it is advisable to anticipate fragmentary orders in the majority of
operations. Fragmentary orders primarily include the mission and execution, alongside
any modifications made to the initial operation order. These orders serve as an effective
means to keep instructions concise. In essence, fragmentary orders convey only the altered
information from the previously issued orders, thereby avoiding the redundancy of
unchanged details.
Combat orders can be delivered in different ways, such as through quick verbal
commands from a squad leader during combat or through detailed written operations
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
361
orders for a joint task force signed by the commander. Your instruction specifically targets
providing succinct attack or patrol orders orally to squad and platoon elements.
It is important to remember that the order serves as the conduit for translating your
decision into action. Opting for a concise and straightforward order that effectively
communicates your intentions is more advantageous than a lengthy and convoluted one
that may lead to confusion. Avoid the risk of your decision getting obscured amidst a
multitude of paragraphs, subparagraphs, alphanumeric codes, and acronyms.
There are many subparagraphs, sections, and subsections that serve to structure the
order issue so that required information is included, delivered, and issued in a clear
manner.
Commanders are responsible for planning. Their knowledge, experience, and
personality - along with how they interact with their staff and units - drives the planning
process. While staffs complete much of the detailed analysis and preparations of plans and
orders, commanders play a central role in planning through their commander’s intent, and
planning guidance. These guide the activities of the staff and subordinate commanders.
Staffs assist commanders with the coordination and detailed analysis necessary to convert
the commander’s intent
and planning guidance into a plan or order [3, 61].
Effective planning incorporates the concept of mission command. Mission command
concentrates on the objective of an operation and not on every detail of how to achieve
that objective. Successful mission command results in subordinate leaders at all echelons
exercising disciplined initiative within the commander’s intent. Staffs support mission
command when they produce mission orders. Mission orders is a technique for completing
combat orders. This allows subordinates maximum freedom of planning and action to
accomplish missions and leaves the “how” of mission accomplishment to the subordinates.
DISCUSSION
Effective command language is essential for ensuring operational efficiency,
adherence to orders, and the successful execution of missions. However, the overreliance
on authoritative commands can pose challenges, leading to potential resistance, lack of
initiative, and diminishing trust within the organization. The implications, characteristics,
and functions of commanding have far-reaching features for political and military
domains. In the political sphere, commanding language can be utilized to assert authority,
convey policy decisions, and rally support for political agendas. Planning is part of the
extended field of command and control. The type of action or task mainly determines the
extent to which planners integrate specific command methods into plans and orders, the
characteristics of the staff and subordinate commanders, and the capabilities of the enemy
[7, 17].
Comprehensive command. Comprehensive command centralizes information and
decision-making authority. Orders and plans are comprehensive and explicit. Successful
execution depends on strict adherence to the plan with minimal decision-making and
initiative by subordinates. Comprehensive command emphasizes vertical, linear
information flow; information travels up the chain of command and orders travel down. It
is rooted in the belief that imposing order and certainty on the battlefield results in
success. In comprehensive command, commanders lead through personal direction or
detailed directives.
Commanders enforce discipline and coordination through detailed commands to
ensure adherence to the entire plan. While detailed orders can achieve a high level of
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
362
coordination during the planning phase, they limit the ability of subordinates to make
adjustments without consulting higher authorities once the operation is underway [7, 23].
The detailed command is not suitable for capitalizing on rapidly evolving situations and is
ineffective when there are disruptions in the chain of command and information flow. In
fluid military operations that demand judgment, creativity, and initiative, detailed
command proves to be less effective.
Mission command acknowledges the unpredictability of operations by reducing the
necessity for absolute certainty before taking action. This philosophy involves
commanders giving subordinates the freedom to act independently and encouraging them
to show initiative. Commanders limit the number of decisions they make, focusing on the
most crucial ones. Mission command is characterized by decentralization, informality, and
flexibility. Orders and plans are kept brief and uncomplicated [7, 25]. Commanders rely on
subordinates' coordination skills and their capacity to grasp information with minimal
verbal communication. The elements of mission command are
the commander’s intent;
subordinates’ initiative; mission orders;
and resource allocation.
Mission command mandates a plan with the correct level of detail, avoiding
excessive specifics or insufficient direction. Determining the appropriate level of detail is
complex and varies according to the circumstances. Some operations, like air assaults or
river crossings, call for precise coordination, leading to more comprehensive plans or
sections of the plan. In general, plans should include only the necessary information to
facilitate combat power synchronization at the decisive time and place, while allowing
subordinates considerable freedom of action [8, 90].
Efficient techniques for issuing an order:
a) Prioritization. Time is of the essence in combat situations. It is often impossible
to craft and deliver a detailed order within the available time frame. Therefore, it is
beneficial to provide a warning order early on to give our unit ample time to prepare.
Afterward, assess the situation, mission, and execution plan. Save the less urgent details
for the final stages of order completion.
b) All-hands. When the situation demands it, make sure to issue orders to all units
under your command. While at the company level and below, you may have the chance to
give orders to the entire unit collectively. This serves as an effective way to communicate
your intentions to all personnel. However, due to the nature of the tactical situation, this
method may not always be feasible. It is crucial to identify the key leaders within your unit
who must receive your orders, such as squad leaders, guides, and attachments. Keep in
mind that your subordinate leaders may not always be able to approach you, as combat,
ongoing missions, or other circumstances could restrict them. One strategy is to personally
visit each subordinate leader and provide instructions individually.
c) 1/3, 2/3 rule. Grant subordinate leaders an adequate amount of time to prepare
and issue their own orders. Divide the total available time into three equal segments.
Utilize one-third of the time for your own tasks, while assigning the remaining two-thirds
to subordinate leaders.
d) Visual aids. Whenever possible, it is recommended to issue your order directly on
the terrain where you will be carrying out your operations. In case this is not feasible, you
can make use of a sand table or a dry erase board to issue your order. When in the field, it
is expected that you create and utilize terrain models when giving orders. To effectively
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
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Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
363
communicate your order visually, you can employ various materials such as wire, string,
yarn, colored chalk, laminated index cards, and even small plastic toys.
e) Establish command presence. Never permit sleeping, talking, eating, or any other
distraction during your order. Conduct a roll call before issuing your order to ensure that
key personnel are present. Position your subordinate leaders. Require note-taking among
order recipients.
f) Oral communication. When possible, issue your order in person. Much
communication is nonverbal; you can better communicate to your subordinate leaders
when you present them the order using aids such as terrain models, sand tables, white
boards, etc. (“A picture is worth a thousand words”). Attentive leaders can accurately
gauge a subordinate’s comprehension. An ora
lly presented order flows naturally into back-
briefs. Written orders are best reserved for larger units whose size preclude oral orders or
when recording operations for historical reasons. Another technique is to use an active
voice and direct language that conveys confidence. Avoid vague terms, qualifiers, or
gratuitous phrases. Terms such as “conduct a rehearsal, if you can manage it,” “attack
vigorously,” and “radioman shall maintain radio communication” only serve to dilute the
clarity and energy of your order. Avoid them.
g) Know your order. In issuing your order, you are ordering to execute your scheme
of maneuver. While they will execute because they are good, never forget that the order
issue bears similarity to a sales pitch. You must sell your staff to not just execute the plan,
but also to believe in the plan. It is common to have notes during an order issue, but do not
read your order. This undermines the confidence your staff will have in your plan. You will
have difficulty inspiring confidence in your decision if you are reading it. If your
understanding of the enemy situation or your scheme of maneuver is so involved that you
can’t brief without reading, you probably need to rethink your decision. It may be too
complex.
h) Succinct. Keep orders short and to the point. “Directives should be as clear,
simple, and concise as each situation permits. Elaborateness and extreme detail are not
generally characteristics of effective plans and orders. Short sentences are easily
understood. Superfluous, trite, or trivial phrases weaken an order and create ambiguity”.
Keep in mind that combat is extremely stressful and your officers will be exhausted, scared,
hot, cold, etc. Their attention span will be short. They will not listen to orders that are too
long or complicated. Avoid excessive formality or informality when issuing orders. Use a
natural conversational tone. You are not required to announce each paragraph and
subparagraph when giving your order, however it may assist the flow of the order. You can
stay with the format without resorting to this time-consuming, excessively formal habit.
Never allow your orders to degenerate into a casual dialogue. Your order should convey
confidence and authority, leaving all who hear little doubt that you are giving an order [6,
59].
i) Interaction. Interact with the order recipients. While notes are often needed for
referral, do not read your order. Focus on the staff, for they are to be sent into harm’s way
to execute your decisions. You must present the order as if you have absolute confidence
in its success. You will experience difficulty inspiring confidence in your decision if you
convey uncertainty, lack of familiarity, or doubt. Once you finish delivering your order,
field questions from the audience. Then, ask questions of subordinates and demand back-
briefs from key subordinate leaders in order to ensure there is full comprehension.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
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Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue
–
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
364
j) Questions. You will want the order recipients to be clear on the orientation, so
allow them the opportunity to ask questions before you begin your actual order. However,
before beginning to brief the situation, instruct the group to hold all their questions until
the end of the order. This will eliminate questions that interrupt the flow of your order or
may be answered later in the order.
IMPLICATIONS
Understanding the implications, characteristics and functions of commanding,
emergence, components and techniques for issuing military order provides insights into
the dynamics of power, decision-making processes, and communication strategies in
military contexts. By recognizing the nuances and impact of command language, leaders
can tailor their communication to optimize organizational effectiveness, foster
collaboration, and mitigate the potential drawbacks associated with an overly
authoritarian approach.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the implications, characteristics and functions of commanding hold a
pivotal position in political and military communication, shaping leadership, decision-
making, and organizational dynamics. By elucidating the characteristics, methods, and
implications of command language, this article provides a comprehensive understanding
of how the genre of command influences power structures and communication strategies
in both domains. Recognizing the nuanced nature of command language is crucial for
effective leadership, governance, and the cultivation of a cohesive and responsive
organizational environment.
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