Virtual Army

This paper analyzes leading edge information age management concepts future armies are likely to adopt. There are two premises which shape the research. Change is occurring, today with greater speed, volume, and complexity. War is a reflection of the societies who wage it. The findings forecast concepts that translate from the corporate environment to the conduct of war in the dawning information age. The changing environment is a driving force behind several of the latest corporate management concepts. Firms must lead or rapidly respond to many new ideas and products which may make their business obsolete. An army that fails to adapt to its changing environment also risks becoming outdated. The thesis makes several findings. Information age firms are evolving into flat organizations that can rapidly reconfigure based on their mission. Learning organizations are more competitive in a rapidly changing environment. People and their minds are the most valuable and flexible tools of the firm to deal with the changing environment. Successful information age armies are likely to: reconfigure based on mission, reward and foster a learning environment, and value the minds of its soldiers over equipment and technology.