Education: A Joint Transformation Enabler
Abstract
Since mid-2001,the Department of Defense (DoD) has been actively, even urgently, engaged in a transformation designed to ensure it is postured to meet future security challenges while sustaining U.S. capability to defeat current threats. From a new capabilities-based defense strategy to the restructuring of the Unified Command Structure, the Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has led the implementation of significant changes in an organization not known for its adaptability. Underlying the pursuit of transformational concepts necessary to respond to 21st century challenges is an emphasis on joint operations and doctrine. This emphasis on jointness goes beyond mere service deconfliction or interoperability and mandates more cohesion and continuity to achieve the synergy from joint operations. A joint perspective from the services is crucial to the successful implementation of transformation goals. Unfortunately, a joint perspective within the military departments is currently missing. Almost since the creation of the Department of Defense (DoD), professional military education has been seen by some as a way to foster jointness. This paper looks at how a reformed education system, by encouraging a joint perspective in the military leadership, can help achieve DoD's transformation goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414884
Entities
People
- Renita D. Alexander
Organizations
- United States Army War College