From Air to Space: The Perils of Domain Parochialism
Abstract
Is there a correlation between 20th-century air domain and 21st-century space domain functions? If so, can the space domain benefit from the air domain lessons? Air Defense, naval aviation, and close air support were the most contentious 20th-century air domain functions. Analyzing these functions led to the identification of seven characteristics termed herein as domain parochialism. Domain parochialism is defined as a limited, self-absorbed outlook relating to the land, maritime, air, and space domains. This paper argues that domain parochialism explains why the close air support innovation was the most contentious case study, despite requiring the least resources and organizational change to adopt. To mitigate domain parochialism, military services must: be receptive to integrating forces under another service; support organizational change efforts; avoid displaying domain preeminence over another domain; think beyond traditional roles and domain boundaries; focus on the purpose of the effect, not where it is generated from; embrace performing collateral military functions; and conduct joint research, development, testing, and evaluation for capability development. Without adequate mitigation, domain parochialism will stymie capability development and delay innovation adoption. Overcoming domain parochialism is essential for the Defense Department to succeed in 21st-century warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1171238
Entities
People
- Peter M. Atkinson
Organizations
- United States Army War College