In disciplined initiative within mission command, what is seizing opportunities done within?

• A. Subordinates must seek permission for every action.
• B. Subordinates ignore the commander’s intent.
• C. Subordinates take initiative within the commander’s intent to seize opportunities or counter threats.
• D. Subordinates substitute new mission.

Answer: (C)

Disciplined initiative means acting to seize opportunities or counter threats without waiting for orders, but only within the commander's intent and the overall plan. In mission command, subordinates are trusted to understand the mission and adapt to changing conditions, as long as their actions support the intended end state. So seizing opportunities is done within the commander’s intent, preserving alignment with the mission rather than seeking approval for every move, ignoring the intent, or changing the mission on their own. For example, if a favorable opportunity appears on the battlefield, a subordinate can exploit it as long as it advances the defined objective and keeps within the commander’s guidance.