What does unity of command mean?

What does unity of command mean?

• A. All forces operate under separate commanders with overlapping authority.
• B. All forces in a given operation are under the authority of a single commander.
• C. There is no clear command structure.
• D. Only high-priority units have a single commander.

Answer: (B)

Unity of command means that all forces involved in a mission operate under one single commander who has the authority to direct every unit toward the common objective. This creates a single set of priorities and a clear intent, reducing confusion, avoiding conflicting orders, and speeding decision-making. It also strengthens accountability and keeps planning and execution coherent across the entire operation. It’s not about having multiple commanders with overlapping authority, nor about having no clear command structure, nor about limiting unity to only high‑priority units.

Unity of command means that all forces involved in a mission operate under one single commander who has the authority to direct every unit toward the common objective. This creates a single set of priorities and a clear intent, reducing confusion, avoiding conflicting orders, and speeding decision-making. It also strengthens accountability and keeps planning and execution coherent across the entire operation. It’s not about having multiple commanders with overlapping authority, nor about having no clear command structure, nor about limiting unity to only high‑priority units.