Toward Omniscient command: How to Lead in the Information Age
Abstract
This study examines information age leadership in the U.S. Armed Forces, and presents specific skills that will enhance future military operations in the information age. The following issues related to information age leadership are investigated: historical background, its nature and dynamics, significant factors, and doctrine covering information management and leadership. The multi-pronged approach will serve as the catalyst to a better understanding of information age leadership and the development of applicable skills. The study begins with a historical analysis of selected wars spanning the history of humankind. The following conflicts are analyzed in terms of leadership: Peloponnesian Wars, Napoleonic Warfare, the American Civil War, World War II, and Operation Allied Force. The analysis focuses primarily on how commanders receive and use information, and how it affects their leadership. The study also includes a review and analysis of joint and service-specific leadership doctrine. Through this review, the author examines what the military's doctrinal position is on leadership and information management, and identifies the doctrine's leadership skill shortfalls. The study also places these leadership skills in the context of the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) to determine how they will answer the challenges of the anticipated dynamic combat environment. The study concludes with an extended description of those leadership skills required to lead effectively in the information age. It is clear that the U.S. Armed Forces must develop new leadership doctrine that reflects the skills needed to dominate adversaries in the information age.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435944
Entities
People
- William P. Jensen
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College