In 1982, the British Armed Forces initiated a joint operation to retake possession of the Falkland Islands following their seizure by Argentina. This study examines the six principles of mission command, as defined by ADP 6-0, as a lens to evaluate operations conducted by the Landing Force Task Group during Operation Corporate. It identifies that the application of the principles of mission command varied greatly within the Landing Force Task Group as a result of key differences in unit readiness, unit culture, and task organization. This study concludes that these differences affected all six principles of mission command, with unit readiness having the greatest impact. In the case of 3 Commando Brigade, the combination of readiness, unit culture, and task organization created tactical opportunities. However, in the case of 5 Infantry Brigade, these same factors severely limited flexibility. This disparity in mission command disrupted the lines of operation and resulted in significant casualties.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)