The Efficiency Paradox: How Hyperefficiency Can Become the Enemy of Victory in War

Abstract

This article seeks to familiarize the reader with the efficiency paradox, much as a treatise would study a potentially dangerous species. If we know where to look and what to look for, then we can avoid potential dangers. Towards that end, the article examines some historical instances of efficiencies pursued in planning and training that failed to produce desired outcomes. Moreover, after addressing how efficiency and effectiveness relate to traditional principles of war, airpower, training, and planning, it offers a practical example from recent experience. The article concludes with some recommendations for avoiding pifalls that arise from the efficiency paradox. By understanding this paradox, we can recognize and evade that point at which hyperefficiency becomes the enemy of victory.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA555904

Entities

People

  • Geoffrey F. Weiss

Organizations

  • Air Combat Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Combat Operations
  • Control Systems
  • Efficiency
  • Information Operations
  • International Organizations
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Education
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Training
  • War
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies