Innovating the Department of Defense

The US military has historically relied heavily on research, development, and innovation to prepare for warfare, but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel acknowledges that energy and funding for innovation has decreased since the costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Hagel emphasizes the need for the military to embrace technological change and evolve its tactics to address non-state actors and cyber threats. The military must move away from a focus on large-scale combat to respond to adversaries who blend into the local population and employ small arms conflict or guerrilla warfare. The planning and acquisition process for new technologies and products is slow and favors large integrated contractors. Furthermore, there is a culture of risk aversion, standardization, and hierarchical decision-making that hinders innovation in the military. Hagel's call for innovation must involve a radical overhaul of the entire structure, embrace risk, and consider external innovation experts who have experience in the commercial field.