Army Core Competencies

Organizations are increasingly seeking ways of achieving competitive advantage. Managers have to plan carefully and use their resources with discretion to ensure that they have sustainable organizations. One critical organizational resource is the human resource department which has to be integrated into the strategic thinking of the business to achieve immediate and long-term gains in competitiveness, efficiency, and productivity. The United States Army and other military institutions are unique because the primary profitability function of typical organizations does not apply to them. They, however, have priorities that they have to address to be considered effective and sustainable (Davis, 2013). This paper looks at how the US Army can leverage

Traditionally, the core competencies of the US Army have been defined by its contributions to the national security. The evolution of the role of the US Army from a force execution institution to one that is focused on preparation has also led to a shift in the core competencies of the organization. The core competencies of the US Army are combined arms maneuver and wide-area security (Davis, 2013). These are supported with enabling skills such as conduct entry operations, flexible mission command provision, security cooperation support, domestic civil authorities support, reserve component mobilization and integration, joint forces support, and entry operations conduct (Davis, 2013).

The first core competency, combined arms maneuver, is the ability of the Army to move through challenging environments and terrains while being engaged in land-based activities(Conley&Masi, 2006). The Army officers are expected to embody the attributes of adaptability and teamwork to succeed with their maneuvers.The other aspects of this competency include prompt response, forcible entry operations, and mobilization. The other enabling competencies such as flexible mission command and security cooperation are essential to the success of this core

This has been reflected in the organization’s human resource strategy which is consistently changing to accommodate the evolving core competencies (Davis, 2013). The increased uptake of technology as an essential part of the human resource strategy is an example of how the institution is keeping up with times. Technology advancement is one of the areas that the organization continuously seeks to leverage to improve efficiency and combat outcomes. Through technology, the organization sees the opportunity to get the most out of their workforce.

Training and development is a key component of the human resource strategy. The preparation of the military for combat is essential in ensuring that they can effectively execute their mandate in the field. The training includes physical and mental training to improve the resilience of the military officers in the grueling and hostile environments where they can be deployed. Tactical training is prioritized as an essential element in improving the preparedness and adaptability of the military officers during combat (Salas et al.,