The Evolution of Military Service: WWII to Today–DeMarco Banter

The demands of military service have always been shaped by the nature of war, the available technology, and the geopolitical context. In recent years, there has been significant discussion comparing what the United States accomplished during World War II and what it must do to prepare for future GPC (Great Power Competition) challenges. However, these …

Reimagining the U.S. Air Force: One Force Design and Futures Literacy for Strategic Innovationโ€”DeMarco Banter

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is undergoing a transformative journey to address the complexities of modern warfare and maintain its strategic advantage in an era of Great Power Competition (GPC). The One Force Design framework serves as the cornerstone of this effort, unifying the Air Forceโ€™s approach to modernization, capability development, and operational readiness. With …

Polymaths in the Pentagon: The Polymath and Innovation, A Key to Conceptualizing and Winning Tomorrow’s Wars : DeMarco Banterย 

In todayโ€™s rapidly evolving world, the ability to innovate is not just a competitive advantageโ€”it is a strategic imperative, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD). Innovation in the DoD requires navigating complex, interconnected challenges that span technological, operational, geopolitical, and organizational domains. In this environment, the concept of the polymathโ€”a person with extensive knowledge …

“Ruling the Waves or Resting on Laurels: Lessons from the Fisher Revolution for Modern Military Innovation : DeMarco Banter”

In The Origins of Victory, Andrew F. Krepinevich explores the pivotal role of innovation in securing and maintaining national security. Through compelling historical case studies, he demonstrates that nations that anticipate and adapt to change often secure decisive advantages. Among these case studies, one that resonates strongly today is the Fisher Revolution in late 19th and early 20th …

The Death of the Third Place and the Decline of Empire: DeMarco Banter

Maybe we just blame Starbucks? The other day, my son and I found ourselves deep in a conversation about the "death of the third place." As a good dad, I naturally slipped into professor mode, explaining how Howard Schultz and Starbucks sought to reimagine the third placeโ€”a welcoming space outside of home and work where …