Prepare to be Wrong: Assessing and Designing for Adaptability, Flexibility, and Responsiveness

Abstract

Future operational and fiscal uncertainty is forcing difficult investment decisions by senior defense officials. History tells us that forecasts regarding uncertain futures are frequently wrong, often resulting in choices that have severe consequences. In order to avoid such consequences, the Department of Defense must prepare to be wrong. Recent defense strategic guidance argues for an adaptable, flexible force to be prepared for future uncertainties. To support this imperative, this paper offers a framework and methodologies for assessing adaptability in existing weapon systems and designing it into future systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA586047

Entities

People

  • Michael P. Fischerkeller
  • Prashant R. Patel

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Department Of Defense
  • Engineering
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosively Formed Penetrators
  • Force Protection
  • Governments
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Infantry Fighting Vehicles
  • Information Operations
  • Military Acquisition
  • Naval Operations
  • Navy
  • Procurement
  • Systems Engineering
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Systems Analysis and Design