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Army decision making and problem solving
Decision making in armed forces
Military decision making introduction
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It is necessary for military professionals to take the time to study military history, for it aids in not only their personal success but also in the success of the mission at hand. When one understands past failures and the causes, they are able to better wage what necessary actions must be taken to achieve success. Also knowledge is power. The more information a NCO has, the greater ability he has to make decisions which will allow him and his team to operate in a more safe and effective manner. By combining past success and failures with personal experiences, a NCO is better equipped for quick and effective decision making.
When one studies a past battle which has similar characteristics to the mission at hand, it enables them to decipher what caused the success or failure of that battle, thus enabling them to apply the knowledge to the current mission. In studying the Seminole Indian Wars in comparison to the Indian Wars, a NCO can clearly see how past failures gave working knowledge as to what to change to be successful in the newer Indian Wars.
Through the war with the Seminole Indians, it was clear that the failure of many of the battles was due to a lack of preparedness. Means of transportation for troops was poor, and did not allow for a quick response time to battles. Also while there was plenty of stock of supplies for troops, they were unable to obtain said supplies due to the transportation issues. “Logistical failure was a failure in transportation, not in supply. The depots had been adequately stocked; but wagons, roads and Army maps were lacking.” (Stewart, 2005 (1)) Through this lack of preparedness troops were set up for failure. Without necessary supplies, the Army could only last so long among the Seminole ...
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...g this history the NCO must keep in mind that while information from the past will aid in their success, it is a tool. It is important to remember that every situation differs from the last, one way or another. Not all circumstances will be the same, thus they must rely on personal experience as well as information to make rational decisions that will keep their units safe while completing the mission.
Works Cited
Stewart, R.W. (2005(1)). American Military History Volume 1 The United States Army and the Forging of a Nation, 1175-1917. Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History United States Army
Stewart, R.W. (2005(2)). American Military History Volume II The United States Army in a Global Era, 1917-2003. Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History United States Army.
Dougherty, E. (2005, November). Warriors for Good. The Atlantic Online, p. 3.