Postmodernist Command: A Contradiction in Terms for the British Army?

Figures & data

TABLE 1 ILLUSTRATIVE CONTRASTS BETWEEN ENLIGHTENMENT AND POSTMODERN PARADIGMS

Enlightenment	Postmodernism
Structure	Chaos
Constants	Transience
Objective Truth	Experience
System	Syncretism
Method	Inspiration
Coherent Patterns and Paradigms	Questioning, Deconstruction
Certainty	Uncertainty

TABLE 2 QUALITIES OF A COMMANDER

• Leadership • Professional Knowledge • Vision and Intellect • Judgement and Initiative • Courage and Resolve • Self Confidence • The Ability to Communicate • Integrity and Example

FIGURE 1 DECISIONING‐MAKING PROCESS

TABLE 3 THE FLOW OF COMMAND QUALITIES