Knowledge Management: A Model to Enhance Combatant Command Effectiveness

In todays volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous VUCA environment, it is essential that organizations share and exploit the knowledge contained within the organization. This is especially true for large, highly complex organizations such as combatant commands. An organization that creates a culture that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing with formal knowledge management KM principles is more likely to achieve success in the operational environment. Adopting and applying the Armys 12 principles for KM will enable Combatant Commands to create a collaborative, learning organization that more effectively execute its mission. This paper explores KM as a critical enabler for combatant commands using the Armys twelve principles for KM. Additionally, this paper explores deficiencies in the application of KM in current operations, focusing on intelligenceinformation sharing, situational awareness and knowledge codification. Finally, this paper provides recommendations on a KM model that Combatant Commands can leverage to execute effectively its warfighter mission.