An interesting perspective on the core motivations of roles we find in the DoD.

I had the opportunity the other day to have a fascinating discussion about roadblocks to change in the DoD, especially as it applies to Great Power Competition. One of the main points brought up was the philosophical differences between service providers and warfighters, and how that fundamentally influences all resulting aspects of their operations.

Service providers and warfighters typically approach challenges and priorities from different philosophical perspectives due to the nature of their roles and responsibilities:

1. Objective and Focus:

• Service Providers: Their primary objective is to provide a service or product that meets the needs and requirements of their clients or users. They often focus on efficiency, reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Warfighters: Their main objective is to accomplish the mission, which often involves combat or defense situations. They prioritize effectiveness, adaptability, resilience, and ensuring the safety of personnel.

2. Risk Tolerance:

• Service Providers: Generally, they lean towards risk aversion, as mistakes can lead to financial losses, damage to reputation, and customer dissatisfaction.

• Warfighters: While they aim to mitigate risks, they sometimes have to take calculated risks in the face of uncertainty to achieve strategic objectives or safeguard national interests.

3. Decision-making:

• Service Providers: Decisions tend to be data-driven, based on customer feedback, market trends, and profitability.

• Warfighters: Decisions are often based on a combination of intelligence, experience, and immediate situational awareness. Rapid decision-making in fluid situations is common.

4. Long-term vs. Short-term Perspective:

• Service Providers: They often focus on long-term relationships, sustainability, and growth.

• Warfighters: While they train and prepare for long-term strategies, they also need to be effective in immediate, short-term tactical scenarios.

5. Value Systems:

• Service Providers: Value is often associated with profitability, customer satisfaction, and market share.

• Warfighters: Value revolves around honor, duty, loyalty, and the protection of one’s country and comrades.

6. Change and Adaptation:

• Service Providers: Change is often driven by market demand, technological advancements, and competitive forces. Adaptation is usually gradual and calculated.

• Warfighters: Change can be abrupt due to shifts in the geopolitical landscape, emerging threats, or new tactics. Adaptation needs to be swift and agile.

In essence, while both service providers and warfighters aim to be effective and successful in their domains, their approaches, value systems, and priorities are influenced by the distinct challenges and goals inherent to their roles.