As I read through the following articles from RAND, two former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs, and others, it is essential to ponder the themes, ideas, concepts, and strategies that emerge:
- RAND Commission on the National Defense Strategy
- Axios: “U.S. not ready for global war, commission warns“
- Foreign Affairs: “America Isn’t Ready for the Wars of the Future“
- Defense One: “U.S. Air Force culture needs a reboot“
- Breaking Defense: “Mullen: Defense Department incentives need to change if the Mavericks are to survive”
I propose the following:
Need for Cultural Reformation and Innovation:
Cultural Resistance: A prevalent theme is the deeply ingrained resistance to change within the USAF and DoD bureaucracies. This resistance inhibits innovation and adaptation to modern warfare needs.
Promotion of Innovation: There is a pressing need to foster a culture that encourages risk-taking, creative problem-solving, and the acceptance of new ideas. This includes reforming incentive structures to reward innovation rather than mere compliance.
Bureaucratic Challenges:
Bureaucratic Inertia: The reports highlight the problem of a rigid, bureaucratic structure that slows down decision-making and stifles innovation. The concept of the “frozen middle,” where middle management resists change, is particularly noted. (I don’t buy the frozen middle argument)
Need for Agile Structures: To counteract bureaucratic inertia, there is a call for more agile and flexible organizational structures that can quickly adapt to emerging threats and technological advancements.
Strategic and Technological Competitiveness:
Technological Edge: Maintaining technological superiority is crucial. The USAF and DoD must prioritize rapid development and deployment of new technologies to stay ahead of adversaries like China and Russia.
Strategic Vision: Effective strategy must be dynamic, with an emphasis on anticipating and countering the strategies of potential adversaries. This requires continuous adaptation and innovation.
Leadership Development:
Innovative Leadership: Developing leaders who are not only strategic thinkers but also innovators is critical. These leaders should be capable of driving change within the organization and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Training and Education: There is a need for enhanced education and training programs that focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation. This includes partnerships with academia and industry to bring best practices and cutting-edge knowledge into the military domain.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between the military, academia, and industry is essential for driving innovation. This interdisciplinary approach can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to address complex challenges.
International Cooperation: Strengthening alliances and partnerships with international allies can enhance strategic capabilities and provide a broader base for technological and operational innovation.
What am I forgetting?
Mastermind Century Group 