Which of the following is highlighted as a responsibility of effective commanders in MCDP 1?

Effective commanders are highlighted in MCDP 1 as having the responsibility to assess and manage risk for mission success. This foundational principle emphasizes the need for leaders to be proactive in evaluating the potential challenges and uncertainties that can affect the outcome of their operations. By identifying risks early, commanders can implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that their units can operate effectively in dynamic and uncertain environments.

Managing risk is a crucial aspect of command, as it involves not only understanding the operational environment but also the capabilities and limitations of their forces. This responsibility is imperative for making informed decisions that directly impact mission success. Commanders who prioritize risk assessment are better equipped to navigate complex situations and adapt their plans accordingly.

In contrast, solely focusing on logistics or conducting operations without assessment would limit a commander's effectiveness. Logistics is vital to operations but is only one aspect of leadership; concentrating exclusively on it would ignore broader operational strategies. Similarly, conducting operations without assessment poses significant dangers, as it leads to uninformed decisions that could jeopardize the mission. Furthermore, following orders without question undermines the autonomy and critical thinking required of effective leaders, as the ability to evaluate situations and make informed decisions is essential in a fluid battlefield context.