Warfighting and Disruptive Technologies: Disguising Innovation

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Summary: How Do We Get Beyond Machiavelli's Paradox?
Review: What is military innovation? Is it the slow, evolutionary process of change that occurs naturally, or is it the disruptive change that changes the character of warfare, and gets everyone excited? Furthermore, how do innovators bring their vision to fruition? When does the military categorically accept an innovation through organizational, doctrinal, or technological alignments? What is the route to success? These are substantial questions that Captain Terry Pierce, U.S. Navy, takes on in this groundbreaking work.

Captain Pierce thoughtfully constructs arguments based on case studies of military innovation that include Marine Corps helicopter warfare and maneuver warfare, to Navy continuous aim gunfire and carrier warfare. The study identifies and examines external and internal causes of disruptive and sustaining innovation, ranging from civilian intervention and inter (and intra!) service rivalry, to small groups and disguising processes.

He concludes that disruptive innovation theory explains why many innovations fail, despite well-meaning, and potentially revolutionary consequences for warfare. However, personalities are also consequential: the same personality that fights hard for a particular innovation may also fail to protect and promote subordinates likely to sustain the innovation.

Overall, this book rates well. Captain Pierce uses an engaging style to keep readers interested, while providing us with the benefit of his military experience and academic research. For readability, it is right up there with Hone, Friedman, and Mandeles' book on American & British Carrier Development. It evaluates, based on new research and case studies, the theories of those who have previously written on military innovation, including Barry Posen, Steve Rosen, and Wick Murray. Highly recommended for academics and military personnel interested in the process of force transformation.