What is the recommended team size for effective Decentralized Command?

• A. 1 to 2
• B. 7 to 10
• C. 4 to 6
• D. 10 to 15

Answer: (C)

Decentralized command works by empowering small teams to act on clear intent rather than waiting for orders from above. The four-to-six range is ideal because it keeps the span of control manageable, allowing fast communication, strong mutual understanding, and enough skills to cover essential tasks. With this size, team members can coordinate effectively, exercise initiative within the given intent, and the leader can still monitor progress and provide guidance as needed. If the team is too small, you risk gaps in capability and resilience; if it’s too large, communication bottlenecks and slower decision-making undermine speed and initiative.