Reinforcing Command: Urging All Army Commanders to Reinvigorate Our Military Dialogue
The US Army is making strides to strengthen professional dialogue during interwar periods, a crucial step towards maintaining readiness and innovation. One key area of focus is the revitalization of the Army's professional publications.
The Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), led by General Gary Brito, is spearheading this effort. TRADOC aims to strengthen the Army's profession by addressing its institutions, experiences, and culture. To achieve this, open communication channels are being established, encouraging officers and soldiers to share their experiences and insights freely.
Publications play a significant role in this dialogue. They serve as platforms for debate and the teaching of informal doctrine, providing a medium for officers to express their views on military strategy and tactics. The Army's professional military journals, such as the Military Review, are undergoing a transformation to web-first, mobile-friendly outlets supported by social media, aiming for better connection and increased engagement.
Historical analysis and lessons learned from past military campaigns, including those from the interwar period, are also being emphasized. Publications focusing on these topics provide valuable insights, helping soldiers understand what worked and what did not in past conflicts, which is essential for developing effective strategies for future wars.
The Army is also looking to foster a culture of innovation by providing resources for research and development, encouraging new ideas, and recognizing achievements in innovation. The Army University Press, another key publication, has seen increases in weekly visitors and subscribers after adopting a modern platform supported by social media.
The Army is open to ideas that challenge conventional wisdom and will commit to implementing the best ideas, even if they are unconventional. The Harding Project, an effort to renew professional military publications, has been acknowledged for its detailed analysis and prescriptions.
Moreover, the Army is seeking support from its members to recognize talented writers and renew its professional publications. The Army needs leaders operating where it matters to offer their ideas about the Army's doctrine and school curricula. The Army's professional publications will give every soldier, NCO, officer, and civilian professional the opportunity to partake in a conversation as diverse as the Army itself.
The Army's professional journals are important because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the Army, and they focus on niche branch issues that other outlets do not. The Army will fix its archives to make historic articles more accessible and searchable.
The Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael Weimer, is also involved in the renewal of the Army's professional journals. The Army is looking for contributions from soldiers, NCOs, officers, and civilians to strengthen its martial knowledge through its branch journals. The Army encourages the sharing of innovative tactics, techniques, and procedures beyond just one's unit or group of colleagues.
In conclusion, by strengthening professional dialogue through publications, the US Army can foster a robust discussion that accelerates innovation and readiness during interwar periods.
[Image credit: Chin-U Pak, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-US Combined Division]
[The views expressed in the article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.]
- The Army's Training and Doctrine Command, spearheaded by General Gary Brito, is revitalizing professional publications to strengthen the Army's leadership and institutions.
- Historical military campaigns, such as those from the interwar period, are being analyzed and their lessons learned are being published to aid in the development of future defense strategies.
- The Army University Press, another key publication, has experienced growth in visitors and subscribers after adopting a modern platform, reflecting the Army's commitment to innovation in finance and technology.
- The Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael Weimer, is encouraging contributions from soldiers, NCOs, officers, and civilians to strengthen the Army's martial knowledge through its branch journals, promoting a diverse dialogue in business and leadership.
