Bunker Hill Mission Command
Upon hearing their plan to fortify unoccupied hills northwest of Boston, the Committee of Safety notified General Artemas Ward of the British Army’s intent to control the Boston Harbor. As a result, GEN Ward ordered Colonel William Prescott to occupy and fortify Bunker Hill. On June 16, 1775, COL Prescott and 1,200 Militia troops marched to the Charlestown Peninsula and constructed a fortification throughout the night. The next morning, a British naval ship noticed the fortification and launched an attack, formally beginning the Battle of Bunker Hill. In its attempts to overrun the Militia, the British Army conducted two failed attempts, but finally forced the Militia to withdraw. Despite seizing key terrain, the British Army sustained
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Despite the name, the actual battle took place on Breed’s Hill. According to Mission Command, a commander must understand the operational environment and the problem. This is important because a commander must clearly understand the mission to unify a formation and accomplish a task. Due to its closer proximity to Boston, COL Prescott’s lack of understanding was evident in his decision to fortify Breed’s Hill instead of Bunker Hill.2 Since Breed’s Hill was closer to the water, it had less protection and concealment from the British Army’s observation. This was evident in British commander GEN Thomas Gage’s ability to see COL Prescott giving orders to Soldiers on the fortification.3 On the other hand, Bunker Hill was higher and provided better protection because of the surrounding hills. Also, its distance from the neck of the Charlestown Peninsula isolated Breed’s Hill from the only escape route. This was a disadvantage because Breed’s Hill allowed the British Army an opportunity to flank the Militia and block its ability to withdraw.4 Despite strict guidance from GEN Ward, COL Prescott did not follow mission orders, and consequently, his decision had second order effects on the battle. Primarily, this disrupted the unity of command and significantly altered the plan for reinforcement
Despite the name, the actual battle took place on Breed’s Hill. According to Mission Command, a commander must understand the operational environment and the problem. This is important because a commander must clearly understand the mission to unify a formation and accomplish a task. Due to its closer proximity to Boston, COL Prescott’s lack of understanding was evident in his decision to fortify Breed’s Hill instead of Bunker Hill.2 Since Breed’s Hill was closer to the water, it had less protection and concealment from the British Army’s observation. This was evident in British commander GEN Thomas Gage’s ability to see COL Prescott giving orders to Soldiers on the fortification.3 On the other hand, Bunker Hill was higher and provided better protection because of the surrounding hills. Also, its distance from the neck of the Charlestown Peninsula isolated Breed’s Hill from the only escape route. This was a disadvantage because Breed’s Hill allowed the British Army an opportunity to flank the Militia and block its ability to withdraw.4 Despite strict guidance from GEN Ward, COL Prescott did not follow mission orders, and consequently, his decision had second order effects on the battle. Primarily, this disrupted the unity of command and significantly altered the plan for reinforcement