Spatial Thinking: Precept for Understanding Operational Environments
Abstract
Problem solving modes of thought fall into categories such as critical, creative, systems, and spatial. At present, the U.S. Army lacks a definition and doctrinal references to the spatial mode of thinking. As a result, the Army is underprepared to use spatial concepts to understand operating environments. By comparing the definitions, instruction, advocacy, and maximization of spatial thinking within academia to spatial thinking within Army doctrine and practice, opportunities appear for more efficient problem solving. The Army must define spatial thinking, create a formal program to engage spatial thinking, and identify a proponent organization to maximize its use. By not defining these three things, the Army is missing an opportunity to leverage what is a columnar thought process outside the Army. Defining spatial thinking would bring unity with academia. Implementation would open a universe of academic and training courses that foster spatial thinking skills. Proponency of spatial thinking would amplify the Army voice while working with academia. Maximization of spatial thinking would yield a better institutional understanding about the interrelationship between the environment and the soldier. Moreover, commanders hold a major competitive advantage who spatially understand, visualize, and describe the operating environment faster and in better detail than their adversaries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1020394
Entities
People
- Nathan D Scott
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College