From Washington D.C.

18th

From Washington D.C.

May 2009

I just wanted to check in and update readers about what has been keeping me away from the blog. Last Sunday, I packed my bags for DC and reported as an intern to the CNO’s Executive Panel. Composed of civilians who range from business executives to analysts from RAND, the panel functions to give the CNO “outside the box” thinking on a wide range of issues. I work with the panel’s staff of officers and civilians who assist in the research and writing of papers.

I’ve heard GEN Conway speak about the state of the Marine Corps and its upcoming challenges (how amphibious should it be?), attended a talk on media and public diplomacy, and met with the author of the recently published study on “Social Media and National Security,” discussed by Christiaan and Galrahn.

I traveled back to Annapolis for Ring Dance this weekend and had a wonderful time. As my friends and I celebrated the occasion, we began to realize how fast our time passes by here. Not so long ago we were the plebe ushers for our second-class’s Ring Dance.

That was last week. This week I have some items I really need to post to include the final portion of my interview with VADM Harvey where we talked about issues such as diversity. I also hope to examine one possible future of the education and career track of the Navy’s officer corps. That’s all for now; standby for further updates!

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4 Responses to “From Washington D.C.”

CDR Lumpy Says:
What is the purpose of a Consultant?

A Consultant is a person who when you ask him what time it is, he takes your watch and tells you the time.

When I was at the Naval Air Training Command, I had two PhD Aerospace Experimental Psychologiests who worked for me. Both LTs, who were highly capable “out of the box” thinkers. However, they were both Lieutenants. Which brings back the issue of Cognitive Inertia at the decisionmaker level.

Some of their astute initiatives obtained funding, some didn’t. The biggest hurdle facing these two sharp, innovative officers was the stigma associated with their rank and the fact they were in the Navy.

Sadly, these smart guys get out because the Navy doesn’t recognize their potential, and cultivate it. So, instead these former Navy innovators work for the Rand Corporation and we pay triple or more, for the same “out of the box” thinking that was resident in the Navy.

Again, our Navy Organizational Inertia and Cognitive Inertia keeps us from recognizing innovation within our own people.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Jim Dolbow Says:
I am jealous of your internship! Happy blogging!
May 18th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Natty Bowditch Says:
What is a Consultant?

A Consultant is someone who knows 1001 sexual positions but doesn’t know any women.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Grampa Bluewater Says:
Cdr Lumpy:

Yep.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

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