Why Doctrine Matters

Date

2019

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Small Wars Journal

Abstract

Anyone who has ever purchased furniture from Ikea knows the value of well written instructions. Entire sub-markets have developed to help people put Ikea furniture together. These experts have figured out the patterns and nuances of the company’s model. They have experience and knowledge of their respective task and can therefore perform it efficiently. Even when faced with a chair or table they haven’t assembled before, they under the principles and style of manufacturing and can leverage those skills to accomplish their objective. Military doctrine serves a similar function. It is critical for junior officers to have a solid foundation in doctrine. They must read it and apply it during training. They must commit to memory the most critical components. They must return to it if time permits to guide and shape courses of action (COA).

Description

Keywords

Army doctrine

Citation

Fust, George. "Why Doctrine Matters". Small Wars Journal, 2019.

DOI