Kurt Beyer’s Post

🔍 Unlocking Timeless Wisdom in Modern Warfare In an era dominated by technological advancements, the U.S. Army’s commitment to classical war theories—embraced by figures like Clausewitz and Sun Tzu—underscores their enduring relevance. From Clausewitz’s concept of friction to Sun Tzu’s art of deception, these ancient insights remain pivotal in guiding today’s military leaders through the complexities of modern battlefields. The question isn’t if these theories are still relevant, but how they continually shape our strategic thinking and professional military education. #MilitaryStrategy #Leadership #TimelessWisdom #ModernWarfare

Congratulations University of Central Florida inventors Greg Welch, Gerd Bruder, Kangsoo Kim and Zubin Choudhary on U.S. Patent 11798127 granted today (October 24, 2023). This research, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research relates to intelligent object magnification including adjusting the logical altitutude of the magnified object. For example, a distant submarine magnified with a gigapixel camera is repositioned vertically downward aligning the conning tower top with a rendering of the hull under the waterline. A magnified surface ship is vertically adjusted to the waterline. An magnified enemy combatant is vertically repositioned upward from the ground surface. This provides the viewer with an intuitive rendering of the magnified object based on the object type and environment. Truly a pleasure working with this inventor group and the outstanding technology they produce. #patents #university #imaging #technology #patentgrant #navy #navalresearch #UCF #gigapixel

I usually keep the month of November to big celebrations and remembrances: the Marine Corps Birthday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Native American Heritage Month. I do not typically celebrate or recognize some lesser included days. But, I do seem to remember that Carl von Clausewitz passed away on this day in 1831. For strategy students, especially at the National War College and the other senior service colleges, the early 19th-century Prussian general and military theorist is an essential figure to study. One quote that NWC introduces early to students still stands out with me. It is also more widely relatable than just for national security practitioners and members of the profession of arms. When describing “the strategist”, he said: “If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.” As a very capable faculty member (and, in my case also very patient) pointed out - Clausewitz was describing the unforeseeable future. Of course, compounding matters, the present is not fully knowable either. In my professional life, this above observation pairs well with an additional quote that is usually attributed to Niels Bohr nearly a century later. Bohr, the physicist credited with advancing knowledge of the atomic structure and quantum theory said, “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.”     Reminding myself of these timeless and timely observations by these towering theorists helps me to take my small piece of national security work in stride. Here’s to making a continuous effort to advance shared goals. And, if things still appear uncertain and full of “fog” and “friction,” it looks like today is also National Fast Food Day. #NWC #DOD #DTRA #USAR 

This post falls into the category of the "circle of life". Two of my Georgetown students' final papers ( China and Its Military) cited articles in publications written by two of my earliest Georgetown students, based on their final papers for this class! I am continually amazed at how many things in life and in our profession are interconnected!

“A progressive military shouldn't stop with "more Black faces in high places," more female generals "leaning in" around conference tables and similar so-called triumphs for diversity. Consider Lloyd Austin, the first Black secretary of defense, whose views and actions have been little different from those of Donald Rumsfeld… No, all-female air crews aren't nearly enough. Indeed, they are, I'd argue, a form of "woke" camouflage for a predatory military leopard that refuses to change its spots — or curb its appetite. A truly progressive military should start with the fundamentals. All service members swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution, the system of laws that defines and enshrines our vital rights and freedoms (speech, a free press, the right to assemble, privacy and so on); in short, the right to live untrammeled by domineering forces. Yet, almost by definition, that right is threatened, if not violated, by a massive military-industrial-congressional complex that penetrates nearly every domain of American life. That complex, after all, is anti-democratic, shrouded in secrecy and jealous of its power, as well as fundamentally and profoundly anti-progressive. Indeed, it's fundamentally and profoundly anti-truth.

Speaking to Congress, the Chief of Naval Operations argued that the purpose of the U.S. Navy hinged on the timeless missions of sea control and power projection. Perhaps so. But to most people, these phrases raise more questions than they answer. Control at what cost, and to what end? Power to do what, exactly? Projected where and how? Such declarations seem unlikely to induce taxpayers to fork over the enormous sums entailed, especially when so many think the money could be better spent fixing pressing domestic problems. But this is nothing new. More than a century ago, the patron saint of the #USNavy grappled with similar difficulties. Alfred Thayer Mahan faced a U.S. public riven by deep internal disagreement and skeptical of the need to spend scarce public resources on the Navy. Looking back on his career, Mahan considered that one of his greatest achievements was providing “men in civil life” with a coherent answer to a simple but profound question: “Why do we need a Navy?” Now, for the first time since WW2, the Navy is being substantially challenged on the high seas, and the people and their representatives need be reminded of the reasons, as in the age of Global trade, we are perhaps more vulnerable than ever.

🎉 Today in history, on February 6th 🎉 🚀 1959: The first successful test firing of a Titan intercontinental ballistic missile was conducted by the United States. This marked a significant advancement in military technology during the Cold War era. 📚 1911: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated in Simi Valley, California. Named after the 40th President of the United States, it serves as a repository of historical documents and artifacts from Reagan's presidency. 🎨 1912: New York City's landmark Grand Central Terminal officially opened its doors to the public. This architectural marvel continues to be a bustling transportation hub and a symbol of the city's rich history. 💡 Today's historical events remind us of the ingenuity, perseverance, and cultural significance that shape our world. Let's honor the achievements of the past and draw inspiration for the future. #History #Innovation #Legacy 🌟

The story of how the Australian Defence Forces experimented with military design in the early-to-mid 2000s using complexity theory, systems thinking, and then were exposed to Israeli 'systemic operational design' or SOD resulted in muted discussions within their PME and doctrine, and what has been termed (by Dr. Aaron Jackson) a 'photo-design'. However, in the last 5-7 years, there has been a second movement to shift design away from campaigning and converging toward existing planning efforts and toward a more divergent, creative, and critical form of design. This is ongoing in their Special Operations units, some of their PME in Canberra, and in isolated pockets in ADF units. You can read more about this in my 7th chapter in 'Understanding the Military Design Movement' where the graphic below frames the ontological and epistemological constructs orchestrating their photo-design methodology that has been in and out of fashion down under for the last decade-plus. This graphic is on p. 306 and is at the end of the book; I do similar treatments for IDEO, D-school, IBM's EDM, US Army ADM, USMC design, three versions of IDF SOD, and more. You can get this book at Amazon or Routledge directly, and the promo code AEVV23 takes an additional 20% off. For schools, libraries, and organizations seeking a bulk order option, you can negotiate with Routledge for a special paperback option that is priced much lower but requires specific bulk numbers to qualify for. You can PM me for details on that. The hardcover and Kindle option are located here: https://lnkd.in/gnXQmNYc #design #innovation #creativity #education #newbook #strategy#leadership #technology #war #warstudies #defense #NATO #ukraine#conflict #philosophy #strategicleadership #designtheory#designeducation #army #navy #marines #airforce #spaceforce #space#socom #specialoperations

Meet U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Scott Humr, a doctoral graduate in information sciences at NPS through the highly-competitive Marine Corps Ph.D. Program Technical (PHDP-T), who will graduate from NPS this Friday.  Humr’s dissertation research focused on trust in information generated by AI-based systems as it becomes a critical factor in enabling rapid, effective decision-making on the battlefield.   “NPS has provided me with a foundation of many different skill sets to investigate different phenomenon, ranging from qualitative to quantitative methods,” said Humr, whose research will support the development of more advanced, trustworthy AI-based systems. “NPS is a great place for interdisciplinary research, and I’m truly grateful for the experiences that I’ve had here.”   As AI is more integrated into combat systems that provide key information to commanders, Humr will apply his knowledge and new technique for modeling trust in an AI that leverages quantum open system technologies, at the Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration command in Quantico, VA.   • Watch Humr and his 200+ fellow graduates celebrate the completion of their NPS studies during the 2023 Summer Quarter Graduation ceremony on Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern), live on the NPS Streaming Channel: https://lnkd.in/dtvssgaU. United States Marine Corps | US Navy #informationscience #artificialintelligence #trust #decisionmaking #awardwinning #studentresearch #marines #usnavy #NPS #graduation #NavalEducation

What Tuskegee University is known for? Tuskegee University is renowned for several key aspects: Historical Significance: Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University has played a crucial role in African American education and empowerment. The Tuskegee Airmen: The university is famous for training the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Agricultural and Veterinary Programs: Tuskegee has strong programs in agricultural sciences and is the only historically black college or university (HBCU) with a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine. Innovative Research: The university is known for its research contributions, particularly in the fields of aerospace science, engineering, and bioethics. The Legacy of George Washington Carver: The renowned agricultural scientist George Washington Carver conducted much of his groundbreaking research at Tuskegee. These elements contribute to Tuskegee University's reputation as a significant institution in American history and higher education. "TU, you know!"