Lessons Learning - the Army System
Abstract
The Army's lessons learning system is looked at from the user's perspective. Initially a historical based on Dennis J. Vetock's book, A History of U.S. Army Lessons Learning, is conducted. The salient points drawn from Vetock's work are presented. First, in each war beginning with WWI a lessons system was established, but always well into the war. Second, the lessons system in each war showed the basic doctrine to be sound, but the application of the doctrine was poor. Third, there has been a consistent role for professional journals to play. Fourth, each lessons system juxtaposed command battle reports with those of independent observers. The last of Vetock's points discussed is the formation of the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL). The recently published Army Regulation, AR 11-33, Army Lessons Learned Program, is also reviewed. Conclusions are drawn from the study. The system could be improved by soliciting increased use and giving instructions relative to that use. Not all potential contributors to the system are being sought out. Observer controllers from the Combat Training Centers (CTC), CTC exercising unit chains of command and key unit members upon their change of jobs are examples.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 16, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222929
Entities
People
- John W. Norris
Organizations
- United States Army War College