Got Vision? Unity of Vision in Policy and Strategy: What it is, and Why we need it
Abstract
The premise of this monograph is simple: for all the talk of "unity of effort" and "unity of command," without someone at the helm who has "unity of vision," asymmetric confrontations are hard (if not impossible) to win. In this monograph, Dr. Anna Simons examines a range of individuals who proved adept at seeing the forest and the trees, did not have to be taught to think in terms of branches and sequels, and did not need to be prodded by doctrine (or a President) to consider what the second, third, and fourth order effects of an action might be. Simons uses India's extensive experience with insurgency to make the point that with the right who in charge, the right what will follow. She analyzes three exceptional Indians (K. P. S. Gill, S. K. Sinha, and Mahatma Gandhi). Yet, in doing so, she also makes the case that no one else can duplicate their approaches. So, what then might be gained by studying their lessons learned? For one, the Department of Defense and the Services should pay far greater attention to assessment, selection, reassessment, and deselection. Second, counterinsurgency (and related) field manuals will always be more useful as screening tools than teaching aides when it comes to identifying counterinsurgency (COIN) potential. Intentionally provocative, this monograph not only challenges current ways of doing business, but should add a new dimension to the COIN strategy debate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA525206
Entities
People
- Anna Simons
Organizations
- United States Army War College