The ALx Bulletin - September 2024

Continuous Transformation

“The world and warfare are changing rapidly. We will stay ahead of our adversaries. And so, continuous transformation means iteratively adapting and evolving how we fight, how we organize, how we train, and how we equip.”

-Gen. Randy A. George, Chief of Staff of the Army

“Leaders must educate themselves on the technologies that are changing how we and our adversaries fight. It is essential that officers and noncommissioned officers actively participate in the professional dialogue on the Army Warfighting Concept.”

In Continuous Transformation: Deliberate Transformation

Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General of Army Futures Command

Execute Today [Content You Can Use Immediately]

In an ever-evolving operational environment, leaders and staff need an interactive tool to improve situational awareness and accomplish the mission. The Protected Internet Exchange (PiX) provides geospatial data, government reports, maps, background on worldwide issues, current event monitoring, and the ability to obtain information relevant to your immediate planning needs.

Presentation of raw, unrefined data without analysis leaves commanders without the knowledge required to make the best decisions. This guide provides information and tools to support staff in providing accurate, relevant, and timely running estimates to help drive commander decision-making during LSCO.

Complex challenges in the operational environment require adaptive leadership. What skills does an adaptive leader need?  This article provides specific actions to take based in Adaptive Leadership Theory along with a cautionary note about failure to change.

Leaders at every level have the responsibility to build cohesive teams and practice talent  management for continuous transformation. We know, through research, what competencies yield the best results by leaders. Read on to learn 3 Cs of change leadership that you can also use for successful change.

Prepare For Tomorrow [Content to Improve Your Organization]

Continuous Transformation is defined as the process of ongoing change in an organization and is characterized by a sense of urgency, significant change to remain competitive, and an agile mindset. The first of a must read 3 part series by Gen. Rainey, this article explains the Army’s approach for  long term change.

  **New** 24-901, Surviving the Swarm conveys the lessons learned from front-line experiences and expert analysis, providing a solution for Army brigades to improve their counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capabilities in Large-scale Combat Operations (LSCO) and at fixed sites. Read here [CAC login required].

**Just published!** The Command Post Survivability handbook shares solid observations from the field, along with doctrinal principles to provide helpful tools and techniques to increase command post (CP) survivability. View or download here [CAC login required].  

In a previously highlighted Army Sustainment article, LTG Heidi Hoyle points out that the logistics   capability during the war on terror won’t be possible in a contested environment. This article suggests the Army needs a culture change and outlines a more effective approach to solve its’ equipment management problem.

Learn Always: [Content to Help You Think]

Successful change doesn’t happen by accident. It’s only implemented and sustained when change agents are identified to take ownership and enable the processes involved. Read how the 193rd Infantry Brigade created change agents and refocused BCT on sustained ground combat to better prepare new Soldiers for large-scale combat operations (p.51).

Across the Army, we are using technological advances like AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation to increase competitive advantage. New programs support decision making speed, accuracy, and risk reduction by harnessing the power of data automation. Read more about Project Titan in the latest Field Artillery Bulletin (p.44).

Success in the commander’s absence is a direct result of the planning, training, and conditions created through good leadership. Read lessons learned from first-day events of D-Day in “The True Test of Mission Command”, the first place awardee of the General Douglas MacArthur Military Leadership Writing Competition.

Get Involved:  [Opportunities for YOU to Drive Change]

The call to increase professional discourse through renewal of professional military writing continues. Find writing guidance in this special edition of the Military Review.

Readers Speak:[Feedback from YOU for YOU]

This month’s suggested reads came from followers on X and Instagram.

1. The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara & Allan Pease

2. Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke

3. Asia’s Cauldron: The South China Sea and the End of a Stable Pacific by Robert D. Kaplan

4. First to Jump by Jerome Preisler   

This month ALx asked our social media to share what a transformational leader is.

To summarize, they said transformational leaders encourage growth and provide broadening opportunities. This not only supports retention, but it increases the Soldier’s confidence and loyalty to the organization while also ensuring the Army has motivated and skilled personnel in the right jobs. 

We want to hear from you! October’s ALx theme is on “Focusing Education on Warfighting”. Do you have content or resources you would like to share? Send the info to our inbox and you might see it in the next bulletin or on our social media. Every featured article is available at alx.army.mil/