Prerequisites for Successful Military Innovation: What History Has to Say About It
Abstract
After emerging from over a decade of conflict in the Middle East, the present-day US Marine Corps faces a challenging future operating environment where peer, near-peer, and non-state actors have closed the historic gap between their capabilities and US military superiority. US civilian and military leaders alike recognize the need for military innovation in order to reestablish the superiority that is now being threatened. In this vein, contemporary military professionals seek to ascertain what factors facilitate successful military innovation. History provides a means with which to determine what these factors are and, by comparing and contrasting a case of failed and successful military innovation, evidence emerges that supports the claim that a sense of urgency, an organizational culture receptive to change, and individual innovators who are championed by forward-minded leaders are all required to facilitate successful military innovation. Furthermore, an analysis of todays Marine Corps, through the lenses of these prerequisites, offers insight into what will be required for the Corps of today to learn from the lessons of the past.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1177056
Entities
People
- Matthew T. Hawkins
Organizations
- Marine Corps University