Human Factors: The Operational Artist and the Exceptional Mind
Abstract
Best application of the operational art requires a unique set of cognitive skills, attributes, and capabilities that are possessed byan operational artist. Commanders and staff must recognize that the operational artist exists and understand how to identify himor her so they may take a strengths-based approach to talent management, ultimately exploiting success in the operatingenvironment. Operational art and operational design are complex concepts and methodologies that assist the military plannerin understanding and preparing for the nature and character of war. Currently, defense institutions put much effort into definingthe concept and process of operational art and design, but place little focus on the person behind the process, relegating thedialogue on military genius and strategic genius to that of a sidebar conversation in which only theorists and scholars partake.Without recognition of the existence of operational artists, and understanding of their distinguishing attributes from traditionalstaff planners, leaders become fixated on the process and the product development requirements of planning vice ensuring theright skills are applied in conducting it. This dangerous tunnel vision typically results in entropy of the very creative and criticalthinking processes needed to conduct complex problem framing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1176915
Entities
People
- Ashley B. Christman
Organizations
- Marine Corps University