Developing Strategic Thinking Leaders in the U.S. Army
Abstract
Due to the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment that Army leaders face at the strategic level, effective senior leaders require the ability to apply strategic thinking to planning and operations. Key elements that develop strategic thinking skills are undervalued in the current officer development timeline, and a change in culture must occur in terms of how the Army educates, promotes, and develops its Officer Corps. Without formally recognizing the value of developing strategic thinking officers, the Army will continue to fall short in effectively developing officers for the strategic level. Without innovation in how we develop strategic thinkers, the Officer Corps as a profession will be at risk. The Army must develop a strategy that changes the value and culture of how it develops its officers' strategic thinking skills -- skills that are beneficial at all levels, but required at the senior level. This paper focuses on three key areas of officer development that must be revamped: (1) PME and institutional education, (2) assignments, and (3) promotions and timelines. Changes in these three areas are necessary if the Army is to develop effective senior leaders who will thrive in the uncertain and complex future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 22, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560994
Entities
People
- Brian S. Eifler
Organizations
- United States Army War College