Change and the Operational Commander
Abstract
Everything old is new again. Throughout our history the military has faced the impact of technology, international upheaval, and domestic imperatives. The horse gave way to the tank and airplane, and a continental military became a forward deployed superpower. Guns and butter were replaced by the peace dividend. Now cold warriors are asked to serve as peacekeepers. This has significant implications for operational commanders. Commanders from theater level down serve at the crossroads of change. They perform the key role of identifying the need for change and advising the senior leadership on how to respond. But most importantly, they ensure those responses are then implemented. To do this, commanders introduce innovative doctrine and technology. They must adapt the existing force to new missions, organizations, and equipment while offering timely and accurate feedback to superiors. They must grow the future force and its leadership. Finally, as warfighters, they must face the ultimate test of leading the force in battle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA527340
Entities
People
- Jay M. Parker
Organizations
- National Defense University