Final answer:
In order to successfully make decisions, a Commander must work with incomplete intelligence and still process information, anticipate new situations, and make sacrifices when necessary. Military decision-making involves the use of espionage, analyzing the readiness of one's forces, evaluating the terrain, and knowing when to deviate from commands to achieve strategic goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Commander must understand that intelligence is never complete and that decisions are made even though some of the Information Requirements (IRs) are not fully met. They must process abstract information, anticipate situations that have never yet arisen, make individual sacrifices for the greater good, even if not mandated, and recognize that awaiting a clear-and-present crisis may leave us unable to mount a timely response.
It is important for military leaders and states to operate on the premise that information overload in the information age is a given, yet decisions have to be made with the intelligence available. This may involve using spies as per Sun Tzu's strategies, understanding the importance of adapting to the enemy's tactics, and making calculated decisions backed by imperfect information, which can still guide a commander toward victory.
The ability to judiciously use the information on hand and accurately weigh the outcomes of actions against potential risks is essential. Acts of espionage, assessing the readiness of one's own forces, understanding the terrain, and knowing when not to obey commands blindly are all part of this dynamic and complex process of military decision-making.