Military Innovation in the New Normal
Abstract
After more than a decade of counterinsurgency and stability operations, the strategic security environment is different and the joint force must rebalance military capabilities across the strategic defense framework. However, conflict exists between short-term desires and long-term imperatives. Recent changes in organization and employment by some elements of the joint force, although appearing as a panacea to the next Benghazi-like catastrophe, are merely innovations for innovation s sake and not appropriate adaptations to the environment. If not informed by further study of the last decade of war, misguided innovation focused on mitigating crises and deterring conflict only threatens national security by compromising the military s ability to defeat adversaries decisively when the need arises. This essay argues that emerging organizational and employment trends are an over-reaction to the current security environment stemming from contemporary guidance that puts a premium on innovation, crisis response, and engagement. This essay argues that emerging organizational and employment trends are an over-reaction to the current security environment stemming from strategic guidance that puts a premium on innovation, crisis response, and engagement. The essay looks at how some emerging initiatives compromise military capabilities by spreading the force too thin, degrading long-term readiness for shortsighted perceived gains. It presents several vulnerabilities stemming from the strategic guidance, its implementation, and misperceptions taken from the last decade. It then offers recommendations to correct the apparent logic fallacies informing the guidance and associated service approaches. Finally, the essay presents alternative options to rebalance the force, including a potentially more appropriate target for innovation other than the joint force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 13, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA621674
Entities
People
- Charles R. Cassidy
Organizations
- National Defense University