The term maneuver warfare is frequently used in western defense doctrines and theoretical
textbooks. The ambition of the Swedish armed forces is to attempt maneuver warfare in all
appropriate situations. Theories and doctrines indicate the importance of decentralized command and control systems. Mission command (Auftragstaktik) is one such system and should be applied to all situations of the Swedish Armed Forces. There are theoretical and doctrinal bases for warfare and command, but in practice, what are the preconditions for this? Previous research addresses many theoretical questions but there are flaws in existing studies investigating practical realities.
The purpose of this study has been to reach a deeper understanding of armed forces ability to maneuver warfare by analyzing conformity of command and leadership perspectives in practice.
This is an interview-based qualitative case study in which respondent´s statements were analyzed and interpreted in relation to a theoretical framework. The results show that there are prerequisites to command and control systems that promote maneuver warfare, but with limitations that may delimit it effectiveness.