Information Management and Technology
My survey responses included both Cadre of the Technical Logistics College (TLC) and students of both the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) and Warrant Officer Advance Course (WOAC). A particularly challenging question for most was, “Has technology helped or hindered critical thinking?”. Most of those surveyed believed that technology is important to “keeping up with the times”. Text messaging, for example, improved information transfer between leaders and subordinates. Also, the use of GPS has improved battlefield navigation and targeting. Finally, commanders can receive almost real-time updates on training and other battlefield-related events.
As a leader, I can attest to the fact that rapid information transfer and response are critical factors in the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) and to mission execution and accomplishment. It allows commanders to keep step with the ever-changing combat environment. Moreover, with the ongoing Army force reduction, the use of technology will play a vital role in a unit’s ability to make mission with less personnel as Soldiers will have to be more versatile, capable of multitasking, and have the means to research and share information.
Another portion of those surveyed thought that technology, in its nominal use, is a good thing. They opined that training and operating with both technology and more traditional methods of conducting Army business is the best approach to mission success. They expressed some apprehension with excessive reliance on technology because they believed it crippled Soldiers and impaired their ability to think critically and communicate interpersonally; skills necessary to mission accomplishment and team building. The survey results also suggested that technology transformation and integration efforts were not consistent across our Brigade