Situationally Aware or Just Overwhelmed?
By Major Carl “Skin” Forsling, USMC
As military leaders, we like to believe that we have a core set of values, beliefs, and leadership practices that transcend the day-to-day workings of society. Our services have slogans such as “Semper Fidelis,” “This We’ll Defend,” or “Honor, Courage, Commitment.” Some even joke that we have over two centuries of tradition unhindered by progress. That isn’t true. We are a product of the society from which we are drawn, for better or worse.
The military takes American society and amplifies it. Usually, this is a good thing. Today, in one important way, it’s not.
Information is the modern world’s stock in trade. It’s often said that we’re moving towards an information-based economy, even an information-based society. Cell phones, e-mail, satellite communication, and the like have changed our lives.
The overloading effect of information has been picked to death. In this sense, the military is only a reflection of society. Every office worker in America hates his e-mail inbox, as do most military leaders, both enlisted and officer.
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