[sdoering]

I wasn't in the military and my knowledge stems only from others' personal accounts and what I read about it.

I agree for the need of context. Because only then can the operative understand why it is important what they are doing and in case of decisions to be made on the ground either decide or clarify with the org structure.

I know that unit commanders are being (ideally) briefed like you described. But how does this context trickle down to their people? Does the military have a means to ensure the passing down of relevant and qualitativ information?

Because that is what I personally see as a problem more often than not. The information is lost at the lower rungs of the ladder.