Accession Number:

ADA280650

Title:

Do Quality Concepts and Principles Apply to Combat Operations?

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL

Personal Author(s):

• Dichter, Andrew S.

Report Date:

1994-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

34.0

Abstract:

Quality is not just a passing fad nor peacetime management technique, but a comprehensive, strategic, integrated system and leadership philosophy applicable in peace and war. There are several arguments against the applicability of quality to combat. The strongest arguments focus primarily on time-critical tasks at the tactical level. Three key concepts--using quality for preparation in peace, considering combat as a part of a much larger whole, and understanding the importance of time-space relationships are necessary to understand and appreciate the link between quality and combat. Through an examination of the key tenets of the quality approach and applying them to combat situations to achieve combat readiness and effectiveness, we can appreciate the-tremendous compatibility of the quality philosophy with that which is required to be effective in combat.

Descriptors:

• *COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS
• *COMBAT READINESS
• WARFARE
• MILITARY STRATEGY
• INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
• COMPATIBILITY
• QUALITY
• PHILOSOPHY
• MILITARY TACTICS
• TIME
• LEADERSHIP
• MANAGEMENT
• PEACETIME
• PREPARATION

Subject Categories:

• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE