Which of the following is not one of the six mission command principles?

• A. Enforce rigid control at all levels.
• B. Use mission orders.
• C. Build cohesive teams through mutual trust.
• D. Accept prudent risk.

Answer: (D)

Enforcing rigid control at all levels runs counter to mission command, which relies on empowering subordinates to act within the commander's intent and to make timely decisions close to the action. The six mission command principles center on building cohesive teams through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, providing clear commanders’ intent, exercising disciplined initiative, using mission orders, and accepting prudent risk. Among these, accepting prudent risk is indeed a principle, while the idea of rigid control is not. So the statement about strict, top-down control does not fit the six principles.