the Army fully realize its investments in soldier education and expertise because it hinders critical thinking . Hammes writes that PowerPoint is “ a tool that is the antithesis of thinking … it is actively hostile to thoughtful decision-making .” 23 Lythgoe writes , “ it is relatively easy to produce a PowerPoint presentation without clearly understanding the subject matter . We can cut , paste , and rearrange bullet statements to produce the illusion of thinking and understanding .” 24 By emphasizing written reports where feasible , in lieu of or complementary to PowerPoint briefs , the Army can compel soldiers to think critically and with greater depth on issues .
How Can the Army Get Soldiers to Write More , and Better ?
Writing is a great means for the Army to cultivate and exploit soldier competence , innovation , and
A soldier of the 1st Brigade Combat Team , 34th “ Red Bull ” Infantry Division , deployed in support of Operation New Dawn , writes a letter home 9 October 2012 at Camp Arifjan , Kuwait . ( Photo courtesy of U . S . Army )
critical thinking — but how can the Army get soldiers to write more , and better ? Army leaders at all levels can start by requiring their subordinates to craft well-written documents and correspondence as part of their daily unit operations . They can also develop formal requirements and performance-related incentives for soldiers to write professionally . Lythgoe concurs and writes that the Army should “ bring good writing back as a visible part of day-to-day Army operations ,” with leaders demanding subordinates write well in e-mails and other written forms of communication . 25 An increased requirement for well-written documents
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MILITARY REVIEW