Joel K. Douglas

Opinion: Military education (at every level) should anchor on wargaming. In the words of former DoD leadership: “Building school curriculums around wargaming might help spark innovation and inculcate the entire Joint Force with a better appreciation and understanding of trans-regional, cross-domain, multidimensional combat.” From micro to multi-level campaign, from system to matrix to seminar, from role-playing to structured, wargames provide a vehicle for education that far exceeds the value of current military educational system. The greatest takeaway from wargaming is making qualitative decisions in a risk-free environment. Well, the risk might be shame, but the reward is learning. If the greatest attribute of military leaders is their ability to make decisions under stress, why isn't the best tool for learning how (i.e., wargames) the centerpiece of education? We read books and publications, listen to lectures and podcasts, but rarely do we play games. #wargaming #PME #usmc #education #progress #change

92

15 Comments

Can we nominate savings to the Department of Government Efficiency (#DOGE)? U.S. Army's Human Resources Command would be a great place to start. Decentralize personnel policy and treat soldiers like people. Adopt a regimental (divisional) system like most other armies. Allow direct hiring for positions and tie rank to the position. The recent majors board, which they had to redo and extend the results beyond the movement marketplace is yet another example of the absurdity resulting from the Army's overly-centralized, bureaucratic personnel policy. https://lnkd.in/gcmcvnSu

113

31 Comments

Can the Joint Force do without a specialist in the littoral? I'm recommending an addition to the existing operational-level, functional component-based organizational design, and different command and control options for operations in the littoral. I'm proposing a full-time, ready, responsive, and venturesome Joint Littoral Operations Component Commander.    The littoral is a geographic locale with higher than elsewhere rates of change in momentum, tempo, and maneuver, from seaward to hundreds of miles inland. U.S. forces must continually compensate for this, as well as with the dense interconnectedness of things, people[1] and information in time and space, by employing a wide range of means, including, but beyond, conflict-necessary kinetics, by organizations other than those oriented on spatial domains and warfare expertise. In the littorals around the world, synthesized and synchronized multi-domain expertise is more important than is proficiency by individual components or the services. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Herb Simon used an aphorism in a lecture he once gave: “There is a saying in politics that ‘you can’t beat something with nothing.’ You can’t defeat a measure…simply by pointing to defects and inadequacies. You must offer an alternative.” Okay, Professor Simon, you're right: I'm proposing this addition, rather than just point out that our littoral operations ability is sub-optimized with a long journal article pointing out this degradation. This new component commander would coordinate force interoperability capabilities and actions for littoral access, collection, persistent endurance, influence, and combat. He would have the technical / technological means and the skilled personnel and procedures to leverage low observable technology, long-, medium-, and short-dwell multiple sensor fusion, and advanced integrated networks of manned and unmanned capabilities. And the JLOCC would be trained and become experienced in a non-trivial, key set of characteristics: warfighting in the littoral obtains fighting into it, fighting in it, fighting from it, and, potentially, fighting out of it. [1] Including density of settlements: estimates of populations in the littorals range from 40 to 70 percent of the earth’s humans living within 60 miles of coasts. Want to know more? Contact me at [email protected]

12

6 Comments

ICYMI, yesterday we wrapped up the 2024 US Army Intelligence and Security Enterprise Industry Day with the help from our friends at AFCEA International. Among the highlights of the event: The >400 Industry teammates in attendance heard from the 48th G-2 of the Army, Lieutenant General Tony Hale, as he provided a threat update highlighting the challenges of operating in this volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. We also heard a big vision outlining his call to action - giving us a North Star to guide us toward clarity in the chaos. #Together we will tackle the challenges of horizontally integrating intelligence capabilities to ensure we stand ready to perform our 24/7 intel mission around the globe. And we will never forget that our profession exists for only one reason: to assist Commanders in making more decisions, faster ones, and better ones.

169

7 Comments

Top Government Contract Services for 2024 The United States Federal Government needs contractors big and small for many things. This includes defense, aerospace, healthcare, and technology. These companies are key to helping the government work and keeping us safe. We will look at the top federal contractors. We'll see which agencies they work with most and the total value of their contracts last year. As the government gives more work to outside companies, it's important to know the best government contracting opportunities. It's also key to use proposal writing services and contract management solutions. Businesses need to get the right small business certifications and follow contract compliance guidelines. Using vendor registration portals and bidding strategies for government contracts well is also vital. This helps companies of all sizes stay ahead in this fast-changing market. https://is.gd/A0jQ39 #FederalGovernmentContracts #Governmentprocurementin #Topgovernmentcontractserviceproviders

1

I'm a Federal Capture Manager. People outside of my space wonder what it is that I for a living, so here's some high points. In a nutshell, my job is to build trusted relationships and to help craft and to provide solutions to government client problems. When I got out of the military, I was blessed to get into the tech space, where I sold technology-- high ticket software and hardware. But I eventually learned that clients needed me to solve their problems, not sell them stuff. The "stuff" they bought was to be used to fix problems. That was my early introduction to what I now do every day- don't focus on the stuff, focus on the problems and solutions. I spend my time every week managing my time, reading reports, seeking and providing input and thinking both strategically and tactically with prospective clients, business partners and co-workers - especially members of my team who need to understand their roles. My daily duties usually include activities around leadership, sales, client relations, risk assessment, product development, research, team meetings, contract development and reviews, data calls, partner meetings, MORE research, lots of questions, and often times seeking to gain insights from many different sources. Oh, and documenting my findings. (The joys of paperwork.) I spend time wading through emails, thru opportunities, evaluating options (which is rarely easy, since many times I have several good options to choose from) and discussing things with people a whole lot smarter than me. Ultimately, my company's leadership wants me to understand and communicate to them how to position a "win" strategy for each client and each opportunity, just as our clients want us to be able to articulate a win strategy to solve their issues- on time and on budget. I need to understand not only government contracting procedures (the "FARs"), but I also need to understand the deep details of things such as the Shipley Capture process-- a process that uses standard terminologies and procedures that are constantly being refined. Finally, I work across many departments, not only at my employer, but within the wide ranging federal contracting landscape. I build trusted relationships-- people whom I have come to trust, as well as people who have come to trust me. Because at the end of each day- capture management is all about listening, analyzing, creatively thinking and building long-term relationships built upon trust.

7

3 Comments

🤔 QUICK QUESTION: How much do you know about Federal systems integrators and the role they play in public sector sales and partnerships? If you bring tech to the public sector markets, you need to know the role they play and how to work with them. I'm referring to companies such as Leidos, Raytheon, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and L3Harris Technologies 🙋🏼‍♂️ I'm asking because you're in luck, if you want to know more. On today's #SalesGameChangersPodcast, my guests give a masterclass on how to build, maintain, and grow your relationships and partnerships with these types of companies. 🎤 EPISODE 707: Building Strong Federal Systems Integrator Partnerships with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Leaders Michael Blake and Jillian Swenson. 📖🦻🏼 Listen to the show or read the transcription at https://lnkd.in/eS2iRwsf. 🎙️Subscribe and rate the podcast at http://bit.ly/sgcitunes ⭐ JILLIAN’S ‘TIP: “Differentiate yourselves from your peers by leveraging new #GenAI tools to reduce repetitive time-consuming tasks and gain new insights into your customers. It’s going to free you up and help you bring more unique value to your customers.” 🌟 MIKE’S TIP: “Cultivate a positive mindset and resilience. Selling to large integrators can be very challenging. Develop techniques to maintain motivation, overcome rejections, because there will be rejections, and celebrate your successes. Prioritize building those relationships and really understanding these companies. Focus on the customer’s needs, earning their trust, rather than just going for the hard sale.” ❓Have you partnered with large systems integrators in your career? #governmentcontracting #primecontractor #cloud #fedramp #fisma

53

29 Comments

In light of the recent operational debut of the Marine Corps' new ACV, it is critical that the USMC continues to innovate in its technical, tactical, and operational strategies to maintain a competitive edge. One such strategy could involve the integration of autonomous technology to enhance the navigational capabilities and operational safety of the ACVs, particularly in challenging environments. Additionally, the implementation of real-time data analytics could improve decision-making processes during amphibious operations, providing commanders with instant battlefield intelligence. Furthermore, fostering collaboration with international partners through joint development programs could enhance the interoperability of the ACVs in multinational operations, ensuring a seamless integration during coalition missions. As the USMC advances these strategies, CRG is uniquely positioned to support industry partners in adopting these innovative solutions. With extensive knowledge a strong presence from CONUS to AFRICOM, CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, and adjacent theaters, CRG excels in positioning our clients for wins that safeguard national interests. From capture to contract close-out, our subject matter experts (SMEs) and teams in BD/Capture, B&P, and Strategy are unparalleled. We invite industry partners to tap into CRG’s wealth of experience in winning and managing client work throughout these AORs. To explore how CRG can empower your organization to thrive in this dynamic landscape, visit our website at https://crgroupinc.com or contact us directly at [email protected]. #USMIL, #DefenseInnovation, #AmphibiousVehicles, #GovCon, #MilitaryProcurement, #JointOperations, #ACVDeployment, #MilitaryTechnology, #USMC, #USMarineCorps, #DefensePartnerships, #MilitaryModernization, #MilitaryExercises, #Balikatan24, #INDOPACOM, #StrategicReadiness, #MilitaryInnovation, #CombatVehicles, #DefenseIndustryUpdates, #NationalSecurity, #MilitaryContracts, #GovTech, #AmphibOps, #DefenseCollaboration, #MilitaryTraining, #MissionReadiness 

4

Protecting Close Combat Forces needs to be a deliberate part of this strategy. The CCF requires organic, mobile capabilities that can: - detect threat sUAS with enough time to employ effective countermeasures - identify distance / direction and friend vs foe - defeat sUAS through a layered approach that includes targeting beyond small arms range (best solutions will use existing organic weapon systems, eg. M320 grenade launcher)

22

3 Comments

Heading back to the Pacific today after a week recommending (and linking) common objectives across the DoD and interagency. The MFP team and I also demonstrated the potential to display these objectives across the whole of government (functionally, temporarily and by location) - allowing the employment of the "M" to provide opportunity for the rest of the DImE. These Pacific objectives will provide a global template... proving real opportunity for our Allies and Partners. #OneTeamOneFight

40

During a three-week effort, Future Vertical Cross Functional Team (FVLCFT) partnered with U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center, U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center and the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida to advance Launched Effects (LE) behaviors and characteristics for the #warfighter. FVL completed Phase 3 of the advanced networking waveform characterization during the experimentation. The team collected data on multiple radios and waveforms during multi-ship flights at extended operational ranges against both contested and uncontested environments. Data gathered will be used to inform future aviation modernization; and to validate, modeling and simulation efforts. The intent was to learn about the trade space of long-range air to air; and air to ground communications. The emphasis is increased range and endurance for future LEs combined with a low probability of detection, and a low probability of jamming from perceived threats. LE surrogates successfully demonstrated teaming behaviors, characteristics, and attributes against both contested and uncontested conditions as they negotiated the test area. The Eglin experimentation is a key component of the #FVLCFT efforts to help the US Army “transform in contact,” accelerating the delivery of technology, and capabilities into the hands of our warfighters. #DeliverArmy2030 #TransformInContact Army Futures Command I PEO Aviation I U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence I U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command

23

Is CENTCOM still the priority? What does the presence of resources in a region suggest about combatant command prioritization? What does the employment of resources suggest about prioritization? Does employment of military capacity have to match diplomatic and economic efforts to meet the spirit of integrated deterrence?

3

🔆 🔸 DRFP ALERT 🔸 🔆 WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK AND WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! See the latest RFI, which has been updated to a DRFP here: https://lnkd.in/gqjSAdH5 #DRFP #ArmyDigitalOdyssey #ArmyModernization #InformationSharing

28

Let’s put this in less “inside the beltway terms”: if the U.S. wants credible deterrence it requires permanent force commitment. You need to build trust and relationships. You need consistency. You need integration. Rotational forces do not provide that. It does not take academic research to prove it, just ask your Allies and partners. They will tell you. They want commitment and they want consistency. Permanent forces cost 💲but power projection in time of crisis costs more 💲 💲 and potentially defeat. #Army #NATO

26

5 Comments

Since I'm a #Government #Compliance dork with Ordnance & Energetics Consulting LLC, I'm always interested in how other country's implement their #GunControl. Many 'Muricans are surprised that in #Germany, the land where fun is generally verboten, you can own an AR-15. But the specifics & features of what you can own are dependent upon what type of license you have. There's 2 general types of #Firearms licenses here: #Hunting & #Sport #Shooting. Getting a hunting license here isn't a matter of going to Walmart, forking over a handful of #Euros & being on your way like it is in #Texas. You have to do a bunch of #Training & pass tests. But once you've done that, you can own pretty much anything that's not prohibited, though you can only own a limited number of pistols. The AR-15 circled in green, is a hunting rifle. If you're a sport shooter, you have to join a shooting club & shoot regularly. Any #Weapons you want to have, have to be suitable for the type of shooting. If Olympic bullseye shooting is your cup of tea, you're not getting an AR-15. Yet if you can justify a pistol based on the discipline you're shooting, you can own as many as you can get permission for. But if you shoot a sport that requires an AR, it generally can't have certain features such as a flash-suppressor or holes in the handguard. But a manufacturer can get an exception from Bundeskriminalamt for certain things. That's why the weapon circled in red has a flash-suppressor, but no holes in the handguard. In general, here it's harder to get authorization to possess a firearm. But once you get authorization, there's minimal restrictions on barrel-length or similar like with NFA weapons controlled by ATF. You can slap a stock on a GLOCK GmbH pistol you had to jump through hoops to get, without any issues. But you have to continue to have a justification for possessing the weapons. While in the US, it's easy to get firearms. As long as they aren't NFA, there's really no controls. But if you want to slap a stock on the Glock you walked into a store & bought the same day, then you have to jump through the #ATF's hoops.

44

22 Comments

Edit: Thanks to Sarah Payne, Ed.S. and other who have commented, some of this may still be in the works and is not set in stone as of now. Keeping most of the post intact as I am a fan of owning my mistakes. -break- As someone who greatly benefited from the SkillBridge program in its current form, this WOULD BE* a massive blow to transitioning service members and organizations participating in the program. There are bases and posts (think Cannon AFB or Fort Johnson) with job markets that cannot facilitate face-to-face interaction, which forces service members in those markets to have to leave home and pay their own way in another market in order to have the same opportunities as those stationed in metro areas. Furthermore, this requires them to either leave their families at home or completely move to their new area before starting an internship. Absolutely empty-headed decision by the DoD IF IMPLEMENTED*. To say this is to decrease unemployment claims, in my opinion, is asinine. How could decreasing training and internship opportunities possibly equate to lower unemployment? This seems more like an attempt to prevent members from participating in the program. I will be contacting my congresspeople about this IF FINALIZED* and I would ask you to do the same.

11

13 Comments

The first and second battles of Fallujah, Iraq (2004) offer important insights into the complexities of urban warfare and the importance of strategic patience, planning, and adaptability. Both battles of Fallujah teach that in modern warfare, winning the peace is as important as winning the war. This is true for any government attempting to assert control over a large group of people in an urban environment. The current battle in Gaza is a great example of how the IDF could apply these lessons by adopting a strategy that protects civilians and builds trust, transforming tactical victories into sustainable strategic successes.  There is likely no other strategy to give peace a chance. https://lnkd.in/eEMpUds4

4

4 Comments