Modern War Institute
Amateurs Talk, Professionals Write
Nov 15, 2024
Zach Griffiths, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and Leighton Summerlin, a Sergeant First Class, lead the Harding Project to enhance professional writing in the military. They discuss how writing is essential for addressing future battlefield challenges and fostering bottom-up change. The conversation covers the need for revitalizing Army branch journals, the transition from print to digital formats, and creating a culture of communication among soldiers. Their insights emphasize the importance of quality writing for professional discourse and leadership development in the Army.
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Quick takeaways
- The Harding Project emphasizes the importance of professional writing in the Army as a means to foster bottom-up change and improve operational adaptability.
- Engaging all ranks in writing not only democratizes the sharing of ideas but also enhances communication skills, leading to career advancements and collective improvement.
Deep dives
The Harding Project's Purpose
The Harding Project aims to revitalize professional writing within the Army, emphasizing its critical role in disseminating information and fostering bottom-up change. Branch journals and informal publications give soldiers a platform to share insights, lessons, and constructive criticism, thus encouraging progress and innovation. The initiative draws inspiration from historical examples where military writing has influenced major changes in doctrine and operations, such as combined arms strategies developed before World War II. This cultural shift towards writing is essential for adapting to future battlefield challenges and allows soldiers from various levels to contribute their unique perspectives.
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