Admiral Raymond A. Spruance: Lessons in Adaptation from the Pacific

Abstract

The combination of fiscal constraints, expanding technology, and globalization is causing the nature of warfare to rapidly evolve. The wars of tomorrow will not look like today's wars. The ability to adapt to changing warfare environments hinges on a leader's ability to think broadly and view the operation through the lens of the entire conflict. This paper analyzes how Admiral Raymond A. Spruance prepared for the challenge of conducting amphibious assaults in the Central Pacific during World War II. The paper uses Admiral Spruance's development as an operational thinker as a case study for today's leaders to prepare for the challenge of adapting to future operational environments. Admiral Spruance's operational education, operational training, and experiential base are discussed, and recommendations are provided to help today's leaders prepare for tomorrow's battles.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2010
Accession Number
ADA525185

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey D. Sturm

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amphibious Operations
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Second World War
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Naval Academy
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • War Games

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design