Recalling the Performativity of the Body in Frontline Command

Abstract

Frontline command is based on the cognitive ability of the individual commander, but it is also a relational activity. In this article, the performativity of the body as a notion is applied to frontline command as a means of understanding how the body communicates in the midst of action. To this end, the performativity of eight frontline commanders was studied through the use of helmet‐mounted action cameras worn during real incidents. The empirical findings suggest that bodily performativity such as gearing‐up and gearing‐down affects the frontline commander's ability to command, sometimes unconsciously. The study also shows that the performativity of the commander's body plays an active role in frontline command, as it both aids and hinders decision‐making processes.