Army Decision Making Process : The Army Problem Solving Process

1. Compare and Contrast the Army Problem Solving Model (Process) with the Rapid Decision Making and Synchronization Process. (C100)

Critical thinking is an essential trait that every Army officer must possess. Officers must learn this trait and sharpen it through regular practice. The idea of critical thinking as a valuable aspect of the problem-solving process may seem daunting on the surface; however, it creates a more effective process in reaching crucial decisions for the Army officer. The critical thinking process, along with the elements of thought, used with the Army Problem Solving Process provides an established framework from which all involved parties benefit from because it enhances communication channels across all hierarchies. The elements of thought also provide thoroughness in thinking that closely align with the steps of the Army Problem Solving Process. In addition, the critical thinking process creates confidence in problem solving despite the challenges the problem presents. Therefore, it is quite evident that Paul & Elder’s Elements of Thought do assist Army officers in the conducting of the Army Problem Solving Process.

Army Officers uses the process to make and implement the decision, they understand that implications and consequences are generated based on the decision. If they identified the problem properly, and follows the element of thought, he will increase the probability to make the right decision in order to accomplish the purpose of the mission.

A leader must be able to lead others, build trust, extend influence beyond the Chain of Command, lead by example, and communicate effectively. The ability to develop creates a positive environment, fosters Espirit de Corps, prepares self, develops others, and are stewards of the profession. Last but not least, effective leadership must achieve results.

It takes a lot to be a leader. It takes experience, communication, positivity, passion, and much more to be an effective leader. Communication, positivity, and passion are the three most important characteristics to me. I represent all three of these with great pride. I communicate effectively whether it be in the classroom, on

As leaders, Army officers need to be able to make decisions on a daily, even hourly basis. While the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is the typical method for operational decisions, routine issues often require less regimented methods such as Army Problem Solving . Our point of view, the information at hand, the concepts we base our views upon, our personal implications and assumptions, and the purposes that motivate our need for decisions are all critical in determining the ultimate effectiveness of this problem solving process. Drs. Paul and Elder enumerate the “Elements of Thought” which include and incorporate supporting traits and standards. Through proper integration of these accepted standards into our thought processes can and does significantly improve our overall use of the Army Problem Solving process by enhancing our critical thinking skills and our ability to think rationally.

A problem is an issue that disrupts a Commander form achieving a desired goal and the Army defines problem solving as the ability to get answers to questions through a conscious, organized process. The Elements of Thought described by Drs. Paul and Elder assists Army Officers conducting the Army Problem Solving Process by means of critical thinking. The Elements additionally align and strengthen the Army Problem Solving Process and results in a subjective analysis within each step of the process.

Leadership is defined as an individual that leads a group of people or an organization. It is also a process in which an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. The core traits that a leader must possess are: intelligence, dominance, self-confidence, level of energy and activity, and task-relevant knowledge.

According to Drs. Paul & Elder, thinking generates purposes, raises questions, uses information, utilizes concepts, makes inferences, makes assumptions, generates implications, and embodies a point of view. These eight basic structures are present in all thinking. Every time we think, we think for a reason within a perspective established on expectations leading to inferences and significances. We use models, philosophies and schemes to infer data, evidences, and understandings in order to answer inquiries, answer problems, and settle issues. Furthermore, it would seem that the marriage between the elements of thought and the Army Problem Solving Process would be a match made in heaven. Now before we go too far, let us agree that all of us

Leadership is the ability of a person to influence people toward the attainment of a particular goal. Leadership is a people activity, not like administrative paper shuffling or problem solving. It is a dynamic force and involves the use of power. Out of the forces of leadership come four powerful characteristics: supportive, directive, participative, and achievement-oriented leadership. Although these types of characteristics are not considered ingrained personality traits, they reflect types of behavior every leader is able to adopt depending on the situation.

The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is a decision-making model to assist military members in making sound military decisions and to compile operation orders. This paper will describe MDMP and apply it to a recent job-related decision of the author; preparation for a combat logistics patrol (CLP) while deployed in Iraq. The paper will identify the steps in the model and describe how critical thinking impacted the decision.

The MDMP is the Army's solution to decision-making and assists the commander and staff in developing a plan and estimates. The MDMP is analytical and detailed through all levels. The commander decides the procedures to use in each instance, his plan hinges on clear visualization, and he uses the entire staff to make his plan. The steps in the MDMP are the following:

The military decision-making process is a tool that assists military commanders and staff in analyzing situations on and off the battlefield and reach

Organizations depend on the management and leadership skills of individuals in order to be successful. Leaders do not have to be managers but are equally important. Leaders are individuals who possess traits, behavior and abilities to influence others to accomplish tasks and other needed objectives for the company. Leadership is defined as “the ability of an individual to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organization. . . .” (House et al., 1999, pg. 184).

According to Yukl (Yukl, 2013) one of the many definitions of leadership is “the ability of an individual to influence, motivate, and enable other to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organization”. Therefore it is of importance to have an effective leader in an organization to guide the company in the correct direction, in order to achieve the company’s’ main goal.