K3zgZ

TRADOC Pam 525-8-2
Above all else, future Army forces will require organizations, Soldiers, and leaders who can
understand and adapt to the complexity and uncertainty of future armed conflict.
TRADOC Pam 525-3-0
Chapter 2
Conceptual Foundation
2-1. Introduction
Lessons from nearly a decade of conflict, anticipated challenges, and technological opportunities
compel us to re-examine the Army learning model. Building upon the current learning model
(baseline) described in chapter 1, this chapter describes some of the key operational and learning
environment factors that provide the conceptual foundation for a more adaptable learning model.
2-2. Operational factors
Recent operations indicate that an era of persistent conflict will place greater demands on
Soldiers and leaders to execute full-spectrum
operations in complex, uncertain environments.
TRADOC Pam 525-3-0, with its theme of operational
adaptability, is the foundation for ALC 2015.
TRADOC Pam 525-3-0 places greater emphasis on
the capability of leaders and Soldiers to be the
instruments of adaptation in executing full-spectrum
operations, rather than relying solely on superior
technology. It describes operational factors that have
profound implications for the Army’s learning
model, as listed in figure 2-1 and discussed below.
a. Full-spectrum operations. Counterinsurgency and stability operations dominate the current
fight; however, forces must be prepared to execute full-spectrum operations. 12 Soldiers and
leaders must learn to rapidly transition between offensive, defensive, and stability operations or
civil support operations while understanding that many military fundamentals remain the same in
any type of operation. Preparation for future operations must include the complexity,
uncertainty, continuous transitions between operations, protracted time, information complexity,
and adaptive enemies that are anticipated in future conflict. 13 The learning model must provide
opportunities to experience full spectrum challenges through a balanced mix of live, virtual,
constructive, and gaming environments.
b. Adaptability. Leaders at all levels must have opportunities to develop operational
adaptability through critical thinking, willingness to accept prudent risk, and the ability to make
rapid adjustments based on a continuous assessment of the situation. They must be comfortable
with ambiguity and quickly adapt to the dynamics of evolving operations over short and
extended durations. 14 Leaders must be adept at framing complex, ill-defined problems through
design and make effective decisions with less than perfect information. The learning model must
develop adaptability at all levels through a foundation of operational competencies and then
increase the type and intensity of stressors and ambiguity.
10
Operational Factors
• Full-spectrum operations
• Adaptability
• Decentralization
• Mastering fundamentals
• Culture and language
• Capitalizing on experience
Figure 2-1. Operational factors