Leading a Division into the Future Fight - MG Costanza (E16)
Oct 1, 2023
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Former Major General Costanza shares insights on leading a division into the future fight, emphasizing the importance of time, space, and operational art. The discussion covers challenges faced by division commanders, multi-domain operations, strategic planning for division staff, empowering officers through communication, and reimagining operational art in modern warfare.
Emphasizing the importance of addressing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in future operations.
Highlighting the necessity for in-depth discussions between core and division levels regarding future capabilities and multi-domain operations.
Deep dives
Reflections on Leadership and Division Command
Reflecting on his time leading the Third Infantry Division, Major General Costanza emphasizes the importance of helping make the Army better, particularly during a transitional period in military operations. He highlights the need for divisions to tackle significant challenges and contribute to improving the Army as a whole, stressing the essential role of division commanders and staff in advancing Army capabilities.
Innovations and Challenges in Future Warfare
During his command, Major General Costanza's division conducted multiple war fighters, including a joint war fighting assessment envisioning a division in 2030. Discussing the evolving nature of warfare, he emphasizes the need to rethink time and space concepts, decision-making speed, and operational distances. He underscores the critical importance of addressing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning in future operations.
Joint Operations and Integration Challenges
Major General Costanza highlights the lack of discussions and coordination between core and division levels regarding future capabilities and multi-domain operations. He stresses the necessity for in-depth conversations about how divisions and cores will operate in 2030, considering dynamic decision-making and evolving battle space geometries. Insights from joint war fighting assessments indicate the need for improved communication and integration amongst sister services at higher levels.
Empowering Staff Officers and Strategic Thinking
Providing advice for staff officers, Major General Costanza emphasizes understanding the boss's decision-making process, seeking guidance, and effectively communicating expert advice. He stresses the importance of proactive engagement with division leadership, fostering open dialogue, and taking charge of planning activities. Furthermore, he encourages strategic thinking over tactical focus, urging staff officers to prepare for long-term operational planning and enhanced cognitive shifts towards future warfare scenarios.
On Episode 16 of the Operational Arch, Major General Costanza provides insight and perspective for future division planners and discusses what he learned from his time leading the Third Infantry Division. When we discussed operational art, Major General Costanza highlighted the utility of time and space and
future operations. We hope you enjoy the conversation
The views and expressions heard here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of SAMS, the US Army or the US Government.
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