Previous: 1-17: Operations Process
1-19. Combat power is the total means of a unit’s destructive, constructive, and information capabilities that can apply at a given time. Infantry platoons and squads generate combat power by converting potential into action. There are eight elements of combat power which include the six-warfighting functions (mission command, movement and maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment, and protection) plus leadership and information. (Refer to ADRP 3-0 for more information.)
1-20. Leadership is the multiplying and unifying element of combat power. The Army defines leadership as the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation, while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization. Army leaders of character, competence, and commitment understand the strategic implications of their decisions and actions. They motivate others to do what is right understanding that decisions and actions that are inconsistent with the Army profession are not tolerated and that any such act(s) can compromise the mission and have strategic implications contrary to the national interest. (Refer to ADRP 6-22 and ADRP 1 for more information.)
1-21. Information enables leaders at all levels to make informed decisions on how best to apply combat power. Ultimately, this creates opportunities to achieve decisive results. Required complementary tasks include:
- Information-related capabilities that developed synchronized multiple information-related capabilities in planning, coordination, synchronization, and assessment requirements in support of commander’s objectives.
- Cyber electromagnetic activities to ensure information availability, protection, and delivery, as well as a means to deny, degrade, or disrupt the enemy’s use of its mission command systems and other cyber capabilities.
- Knowledge management to make informed, timely decisions despite the uncertainty of operations and information management to make and disseminate decisions. (Refer to ADRP 3-0 for more information.)
Next: 1-22: Operational Framework
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad