In 2015, we still talk about wars that started in the early 2000s, manage tense state relations first established during the Cold War, and leverage weapon systems built to combat the Axis powers.
But don’t be fooled. The mission and tactics of the Department of Defense are changing — and fast.
In his first letter to DoD personnel, Secretary Ash Carter impressed the need for transformation in stating, “We must be open to change in order to operate effectively in an increasingly dynamic world; to keep pace with advances in technology; and to attract new generations of talented and dedicated Americans to our calling.”
Yet for the United States’ oldest and largest government agency, change is no easy task. More than 3 million personnel span every time zone and leverage a wide variety of technologies and tactics to achieve a fluid mission.
So what will it take to transform DoD?
Any modifications to strategy or operations will have to be comprehensive and scalable. In this guide, we examine how:
- Improved operations will create a more agile, data-driven defense strategy
- New technologies will offer strategic advantage in every battle space
- Enhanced workforce tactics will recruit and train the next-generation warfighter
- Revamped acquisition programs will ensure ongoing transformation
In order to accomplish real change, DoD will dedicate significant resources to overhauling every component of its organization. This guide offers examples of current initiatives and explores how the Pentagon will transform American defense.
