Commanders at all levels face increasingly difficult scenarios as the operating environment changes. Some instinctively motivate and empower their subordinates to think and act independently, thereby influencing actions during combat. However, those who understand the mission command activities of commanders will influence not only subordinates, but also the outcome of the battle. Mission command is the exercise of authority and direction by the commander using mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within the commander's intent to empower agile and adaptive leaders.1 Commanders who understood the importance of mission command was Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates. During the Battle of Saratoga, General Gates successfully used mission command by directing, understanding, visualizing, and evaluating. The Revolutionary War began in 1775 as a result of the political struggle for American independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.2 In 1776, British strategists devised a plan to isolate the northern colonies where support from patriots at independence was the greatest. The plan was to advance south from Canada along the Hudson River Valley and converge on Albany, New York.3 British forces numbered 6,500 and were a mixture of regular British soldiers, Canadians, German Hessians and settlers loyal to Great Britain4. Major General John Burgoyne commanded the British forces. General Gates, a former British officer, commanded the Continental Army's Northern Department. At the time of their assumption of command, General Gates' forces numbered 4,500 and were a mixture of Continental troops and local militias.5 General Gates' mission was to block the British advance on Albany at Saratoga. The Battle of Saratoga consisted of two distinct parts...... middle of paper ...... General Gates would not deviate from his plan when the risk outweighed the reward. Had he engaged his reinforcements and lost, he would have exposed his left flank and jeopardized the advantageous position he held, which could have resulted in a British victory. Accepting risk is an inherent necessity of commanders past and present. General Gates knew that a purely defensive operation was risky, but he also knew that engaging the British on open ground was an even greater risk. Today's commanders should consider the consequences of accepting too great a risk while developing the situation and operational approach toward the desired end state. Regardless of the mission, by empowering subordinates, enabling disciplined initiative, and directing the operational process, commanders will not only provide the necessary and desired leadership, but they will also affect the outcome of the battle..