No Way Out Learning War, Winning in the Age of AI: Lessons in Adaptive Strategy with Trent Hone
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Jun 26, 2025 Trent Hone, a naval historian and author of Learning War, shares insights on how the US Navy thrived amidst rapid technological changes during the early 20th century. He discusses the Navy's innovative decentralized approach, where junior officers tested ideas and the organization assessed results. Hone contrasts this with modern centralized practices, stressing the need for a culture of experimentation. The conversation also covers leadership lessons from commanders like Nimitz and Spruance, emphasizing adaptability and collaboration in complex, uncertain environments.
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Navy's Distributed Innovation System
- The US Navy in the 1920s-40s excelled at distributed experimentation paired with systematic assessment.
- This approach fueled innovation and rapid adaptation during technological revolutions like radar and aircraft integration.
WWII Drives Navy Standardization
- WWII shifted the Navy from distributed exploration to centralized standardization for operational consistency.
- This centralized approach balanced rapid growth demands with the necessity for uniform tactics and training.
Empower Teams with Clear Objectives
- Empower subordinates with clear objectives but freedom to innovate methods.
- Encourage mission command to trigger creativity by focusing on goals, not micromanagement.
