Technology and Intervention: The Negative Impact on Future Leader Development

摘要

Technology provides exciting changes to the many systems we use in the military. It has eased communicating to any part of the commanders' span of control immensely. One negative aspect that this has produced is its effect on developing future leaders. Since communications have been eased, they are used to intervene into subordinates' affairs. This practice has and will become even more of a practice. The result is a shift in the real or perceived tenet of 'decentralized control.' Another possible ramification of this practice is that it limits the chance for junior military officers to make independent decisions, and builds dependence. Through education this problem can be solved. A strong foundation based on a wide variety of subjects should be promoted throughout the military in order to give the individual the tools to make the right decision, no matter what the situation brings. Most of the problems of the future will be the same as in the past, requiring moral courage, broad intellect, and flexibility that is not always learned through a technologically based education and training background. If the military becomes overly infatuated with technology and its promises, the changes in culture and the weakening of leadership development could happen slowly, without warning. With an eye on the past, the future development of leaders depends on discouraging widespread intervention, while promoting the ideas of responsibility, ethical values, and moral courage.