Operational Leadership and Advancing Technology
Abstract
Technology is advancing at an ever increasing rate in the 21st century. Many of these advances have been incorporated into the military. The latest gadgets are often bought from commercial vendors; the so called, "off the shelf" solution. Although this often provides a short term benefit, often too little analysis is conducted on to best integrate the technology into the way we fight. This paper uses a case study of how Britain and Germany reacted to the introduction of the tank in World War I and their later development of their armor doctrine. It concludes that the operational commander is critical in the needed analysis and integration of new technology. He is the one ideally situated to persuade leaders at the strategic level of the importance of providing the resources necessary to acquire the most advanced technology. He also has the authority to make adjustments to force structure to maximize the capabilities of the technology and implement training requirements to make sure the technology is utilized in a standardized manner. New technology can have a detrimental effect at the tactical level if implemented incorrectly or only grudgingly adopted by subordinate commanders. The operational leader must use his authority and leadership skills to get by in from all concerned to maximize technological advances.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502937
Entities
People
- Rodney R. Lemay
Organizations
- Naval War College