United States Military Theorists: A Study of Patrons and Interests
Abstract
The United States has been home to several influential military theorists who changed how the United States and other countries protect their national interests and prepare for and fight wars. Among these theorists are Alfred Thayer Mahan, Billy Mitchell, and more recently, Arthur Cebrowski. Their theories were adopted by the United States Government, resulting in changes in how the nation organized for its national defense and protected its national interests. Given the scope of potential change that a new military theory can effect, it is important to understand the purpose of the theory, the process by which it advances through the government, and the stakeholders that influence the theory and shape its acceptance by the government. For a military officer to advance a military theory through the government and multiple stakeholders, he or she must move through an informal process to get that theory accepted and integrated into policy. By understanding this process, both policy makers and military professionals can better identify a military theorist and assist him or her in advancing a theory into policy. The theoretical work of Alfred T. Mahan, Billy Mitchell, and Arthur Cebrowski was an independent pursuit outside the normal scope of their military duties. The three officers where neither directed by someone in the military to develop a theory nor did they receive a formal education on how to develop a military theory that supports the interests of the United States. There exists no process to identify and train potential theorists; it is only through the support of mentors, the education and self-study of the theorist, and access to a patron that an officer can advance a theory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA522956
Entities
People
- Bryan R. Kilbride
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College