Technology Sound not Technology Bound: The Risks of Over-Reliance on Modern Military Capabilities
Abstract
For nearly three centuries the United States Marine Corps has enjoyed a reputation built upon a bedrock of first-rate teamwork and leadership. The recipe for exceptional teamwork or leadership is not exclusive to the Marines. However, if one adheres to the belief that teamwork and leadership require knowledge, then one must concede that Marines have higher than average opportunities for engagement with the world in which they live. Thanks to the tools of technology those engagements are diminished in occurrence and value. During the majority of the Corps' history no mention can be found of Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Computer-Based Training (CBT), Blackberries, e-mail, or cellular phones. Unfortunately, the Marine Corps' current over-reliance on these technologies limits leadership opportunities, promotes a divisive atmosphere, and at times has hindered combat operations. With e-mail that must be answered and PowerPoint presentations that need animating, the leadership within the United States Marine Corps does not spend as much time as their pre-computer counterparts getting to know those they may someday lead in combat. Another leadership opportunity lost is tied directly to the ever-increasing reliance on computer-based training. What was once a Marine's job, standing in front of a class and instructing, is being outsourced to a computer. The distractions inherent in the form of technological advancement decrease leaders' opportunities to interact with their Marines. A Marine Corps-wide degeneration of leadership and teamwork as well as reputation is bound to ensue if this trend toward techno-adoration goes unchecked.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 19, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513071
Entities
People
- R. L. Taylor Jr.
Organizations
- Marine Corps University