Accession Number:

AD1160936

Title:

A Little Imagination: The Case for Creative Collaboration Between the Army and the Walt Disney Company

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Monograph]

Corporate Author:

US Army School for Advanced Military Studies

Personal Author(s):

• Fortner, Chelsey N.

Report Date:

2021-05-20

Pagination or Media Count:

60

Abstract:

As the United States transitions away from twenty years of counterinsurgency, the US Army faces an unprecedented array of unknown future threats. Space, cyber, and information domains increase operational complexity, while near-peer adversaries challenge US interests around the world. Several studies point to the US creative spirit as its greatest asset to combat these threats and thrive in complexity, citing the United States reputation for individualism, freedom, and creative entrepreneurship. However, the military struggles to balance disciplined structure with this need for a creative approach. US Army doctrine stresses the importance of creative thinking and places creativity and innovation on par with critical thinking, sound judgement, and experience. However, in practice, the US Armys linear, traditional military structure does not provide incentives nor positive examples of creative thinking to improve an organization. When looking outside the military, the Walt Disney Company has nearly 100 years as a beacon of creativity and imagination with animation innovations, revolutionary technology, and unrivaled theme park attractions and robotics. Furthermore, the Walt Disney Companys world-famous Disney Institute teaches thousands about their secrets to creative business and innovative leadership. Disneys creative culture, as well as its established Disney Institute, create an attractive partnership opportunity for the US Army to bolster military imagination and innovative capabilities.

Descriptors:

• military science
• military organizations
• national security
• intellectual property
• warfare
• military education
• doctrine
• governments
• law
• united states
• united states military academy
• commerce
• employment
• information operations
• military forces (foreign)
• nato
• personality

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]