To the Left of Planning: Lawrence, Wingate, and Operational Design
Abstract
Military history is full of unorthodox characters. For centuries, individuals imbued with a rebellious streak have created unique strategies and operational approaches. When design first appeared on the curriculum of the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), studying these individuals, their habits of thought, and patterns of inquiry, formed much of the theory behind emerging design concepts. Since then, design has evolved into a series of models and methodologies which, when studied, often reduce a willingness to depart from certainty and think expansively, imaginatively, and creatively everything that should happen to the left of any design process. This paper seeks to reassess what creative principles can be drawn from two of Britain's most eccentric individuals: T.E. Lawrence and Orde Wingate. In doing so, the paper will consider who they were, why they were successful, and the cognitive characteristics they demonstrated when generating their operational approaches. Ultimately, this paper will explore how military practitioners think about thinking in an increasingly complex operating environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1083684
Entities
People
- William Tulloch
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College