What are the most innovative military leadership development programs?

1 Army Design Methodology

One of the most innovative military leadership development programs is the Army Design Methodology (ADM), which is a systematic approach to problem-solving and decision-making that incorporates critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication. ADM helps leaders to frame and reframe complex and ill-structured problems, generate and evaluate multiple courses of action, and implement and assess solutions. ADM is taught at various levels of the Army education system, from the basic officer leader course to the war college, and is applied in real-world scenarios and exercises.

2 Marine Corps Planning Process

Another innovative military leadership development program is the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP), which is a six-step process that guides the planning and execution of military operations. MCPP helps leaders to understand the situation and the mission, develop and compare possible courses of action, select and refine the best one, issue orders and directives, supervise and coordinate the execution, and monitor and assess the results. MCPP fosters leadership skills such as situational awareness, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and teamwork.

3 Air Force Squadron Officer School

A third innovative military leadership development program is the Air Force Squadron Officer School (SOS), which is a 6.5-week course that prepares company-grade officers for leadership roles in the operational Air Force. SOS covers topics such as leadership theory and practice, communication skills, team building, ethics, and national security. SOS uses a variety of methods to develop leadership skills, such as lectures, seminars, case studies, simulations, exercises, and peer feedback.

4 Navy Leader Development Framework

A fourth innovative military leadership development program is the Navy Leader Development Framework (NLDF), which is a comprehensive and integrated framework that guides the development of naval leaders at all levels and domains. NLDF identifies five core attributes of naval leaders: integrity, accountability, initiative, toughness, and learning. NLDF also defines four essential competencies of naval leaders: vision, decision, communication, and action. NLDF provides a common language and a shared vision for naval leadership development.

5 Joint Special Operations University

A fifth innovative military leadership development program is the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), which is a joint education institution that provides specialized education and training to special operations forces (SOF) and their partners. JSOU offers courses and programs that cover topics such as SOF history and culture, SOF doctrine and strategy, SOF operational art and design, SOF leadership and ethics, and SOF interagency and international relations. JSOU aims to develop SOF leaders who can operate in complex and uncertain environments, collaborate with diverse partners, and innovate and adapt to emerging challenges.

6 Cyber Leader Development Program

A sixth innovative military leadership development program is the Cyber Leader Development Program (CLDP), which is a joint program that prepares officers and enlisted personnel for cyber operations and cyber leadership roles. CLDP consists of three phases: cyber foundations, cyber operations, and cyber leadership. CLDP covers topics such as cyber theory and principles, cyber tools and techniques, cyber planning and execution, cyber ethics and law, and cyber leadership and management. CLDP develops cyber leaders who can think strategically, act tactically, and lead effectively in the cyber domain.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?