Étiquette : Update Conduite

Internationale Kooperation – Interoperabilität

[stratos 2-24, 20.12.2024]

Cette édition d’hiver très complète de stratos contient, outre des discussions sur des questions stratégiques et de politique de neutralité, une contribution de Sarah von Felten sur « Future-Oriented Military Leadership Concepts in the Swiss Armed Forces » et traite en outre de la boucle OODA ainsi que des enseignements qu’une officière de carrière suisse et ancienne commandante de contingent de la KFOR résume dans stratos après son engagement. Ses explications concernant la qualité de la formation de l’armée suisse et l’importance de l’interopérabilité sont particulièrement intéressantes.

Link: https://www.vtg.admin.ch/de/stratos

Y – Wir

[Das Magazin der Bundeswehr, Juli 2024]

Diese Ausgabe des Bundeswehrmagazins beleuchtet die Wichtigkeit zivil-militärischer Zusammenarbeit und vergleicht die Wehrpflichtsmodelle von sechs Ländern miteinander. Durch eine Reduktion der Armeestärke und gleichzeitigem Bevölkerungswachstum sank auch in der Schweizer Gesellschaft der Fussabdruck der Armee. Ebenfalls werden in der Schweiz Änderungen zum jetzigen Dienspflichtmodell diskutiert. Das Magazin ist also gleich doppelt lesenswert.

Link: https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/aktuelles/publikationen/y-magazin-der-bundeswehr

Drones in Modern Warfare: Lessons Learnt from the War in Ukraine

[Australian Army Occasional Paper No. 29, 2024, Dr Oleksandra Molloy]

This paper uses interviews with Ukrainians and Australians who work in defence, academia, industry and government to compile a comprehensive analysis of which lessons in modern drone warfare can be learnt from the War in Ukraine. The analysis explains in depth how aerial drones are changing the character of warfare and how militaries need to change structurally and culturally to those technological changes. It further strikes the importance of rapid adaptation and innovation; any armed forces without the ability to rapidly innovate, risk becoming extremely vulnerable to an enemy who does. A key example here are Russian fiber-optic drones, which Ukraine was extremely vulnerable to until it found a way to counter them effectively. Overall this is a highly valuable and concise research paper.

Link: https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/library/occasional-papers/drones-modern-warfare

Military Leadership Concepts – An International Perspective

[MILAK an der ETH Zürich, 2024, Sarah von Felten, Patrick Hofstetter, Michael Holenweger]

As the effectiveness of an organisation is built on the effectiveness of the people, military leadership is especially crucial. This collection of 20 case studies sheds light on the military leadership concepts in 17 armed forces. It does so by combining the expertise of 34 authors who talk about their armed forces’ military leadership concepts of yesterday, today and tomorrow. The book can be ordered from the link below.

Link: https://www.bundespublikationen.admin.ch/de/product/000000000862723848/Military%20Leadership%20Concepts

Resilienz – Wie bleibt man stark, wenn der Druck wächst? Ein Gespräch mit dem Chef der Armee

[Youtube Schweizer Armee, 24.01.2025, KKdt Thomas Süssli, Dr. Hubert Annen]

In dieser Spezialfolge des Schweizer Armee-Podcasts dreht sich alles um das Thema Resilienz – ein Schlüssel, um in herausfordernden Zeiten standhaft und fokussiert zu bleiben. Dr. Hubert Annen, Dozent für Psychologie an der Militärakademie, und der Chef der Armee, Korpskommandant Thomas Süssli, teilen ihre Perspektiven zu Resilienz. Tauchen Sie ein in dieses inspirierende Gespräch zwischen einem Experten für Militärpsychologie und einem der führenden Köpfe der Schweizer Armee.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdAUolAYwTM

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Militärethische Perspektiven: Führung, Erziehung, Ausbildung im Spiegel von Tod und Technologie

[stratos Sonderausgabe, November 2024]

Diese umfassende Sonderausgabe von stratos bietet einen faszinierenden Einblick in aktuelle ethische Fragestellungen im militärischen Kontext. Als Kollaboration der DACH-Region entstanden, befassen sich die Autorinnen und Autoren aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz mit Militärethik und den militärethischen Fragen, die neue Technologien wie KI und Human-Machine Teaming mit sich bringen. Das Heft umfasst zwölf Artikel, die ein breites Themenspektrum abdecken und theoretische Überlegungen mit praxisnahen Ansätzen verbinden. Es bietet somit allen, die sich für die ethischen Herausforderungen moderner Streitkräfte interessieren, eine Fülle spannender Denkanstösse und Erkenntnisse.

Link: https://www.vtg.admin.ch/de/stratos-sonderheft-24

Tactical Lessons from Israel Defense Forces Operations in Gaza, 2023

[RUSI, 2024, Jack Watling & Nick Reynolds]

This study examines the tactical lessons learned by the IDF’s operations in Gaza and then applies some of them to the British Army. Many findings can similarly be applied to the Swiss Armed Forces. Amongst others, the study examines how to avoid friendly fire in an urban environment and studies the effect rubber has on movement and the coordination and control of fire. Moreover, it addresses the problems of distinguishing friendly from enemy UAVs and friendly electronic protection disrupting one’s own command and control processes.

Link: https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/occasional-papers/tactical-lessons-israel-defense-forces-operations-gaza-2023

Russia’s War in Ukraine – Emerging Insights for UK and NATO Joint Doctrine

[RAND Corporation, 18.11.2024, James Black et al.]

Similarly to the previous study, this RAND research aims to capture insights of Russia’s War in Ukraine. Whilst it focuses on doctrine, some of its contributions are also relevant on the tactical level, as the following two quotes show:

Continuous learning and adaption remain imperative to support competitiveness in a context of rapid technological and tactical evolution.” & “[…] there is an urgent need to boost Defence’s capacity for learning and adaptation. This includes having efficient lessons, warfare development and doctrine functions, and the processes and culture to translate the latest ideas into behavioural change across Defence.

Link: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3400-1.html

Y – Unterstützung

[Das Magazin der Bundeswehr, April 2024]

Diese Edition des Bundeswehr-Magazins ist fokussiert auf die Unterstützungstruppen und beschreibt detailiert, welche unerlässlichen Beiträge u.a. Heeresaufklärer, Logistik- und Sanitätstruppen für die Kampftruppen leisten, sowohl vor, während und nach einem Kampfeinsatz.

Link: https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/aktuelles/publikationen/y-magazin-der-bundeswehr

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Government Trust in Times of Crisis

[CSS ETHZ, 11/2024, Enzo Nussio]

International crises put governments to the test, forcing decisions that can unite or divide citizens. This article explores how Switzerland’s strong reservoir of public trust in leadership has provided stability, in contrast to the growing dissatisfaction faced by other European nations. This article is available in German, French and English.

Link: https://css.ethz.ch/en/publications/css-analyses-in-security-policy/details.html?id=%2Fg%2Fo%2Fv%2Fe%2Fgovernment_trust_in_times_of_crisisvertr

Wie transformationale und absichtsbasierte Führung die Zielerreichung mittels Auftragstaktik vorantreibt

[stratos, 24.10.2024, Alessandro Rappazzo]

Wie können Führungsstile in einer sich wandelnden Welt erfolgreich angewendet werden? Der Artikel untersucht, wie transformationale und absichtsbasierte Führung die Umsetzung der Auftragstaktik in der Schweizer Armee stärken können. Dabei steht die Balance zwischen Vision und klaren Zielen im Mittelpunkt, um Teams effektiv zu leiten und anzupassen.

Link: https://www.vtg.admin.ch/de/stratos-digital-92

Hast du Angst vor Putin, Kurt Pelda?

[Galladé Podcast, 17.11.2024, Chantal Galladé, Amélie Galladé und Kurt Pelda]

Kurt Pelda, erfahrener Kriegsreporter, gibt in diesem Podcast faszinierende Einblicke in sein Leben und seine Arbeit. Er berichtet von riskanten Einsätzen an der Front, Nahtoderlebnissen und der Herausforderung, zwischen Kriegsgeschehen und Privatleben zu balancieren. Für militärische Führungspersonen ein wertvoller Einblick in den Kriegsalltag und seine Auswirkungen jenseits der Frontlinien.

Link: https://www.galladepodcast.ch/2194649/episodes/16118910-hast-du-angst-vor-putin-kurt-pelda?t=0

Why Leadership Teams Fail – And what to do about it

[Harvard Business Review, 9/2024, Thomas Keil and Marianna Zangrillo]

This article is part of a series and examines the critical role of leadership team health in organizational success, highlighting how dysfunctions within senior teams can significantly hinder strategy execution and morale. Drawing on insights from over 100 CEOs and executives, it identifies three common patterns of dysfunction: shark tanks, petting zoos, and mediocracies and explores effective strategies for addressing them.

Link: https://hbr.org/2024/09/why-leadership-teams-fail

How Russia’s Invasion Flattened a Ukrainian Border City

[bellingcat, 28.10.2024, bellingcat Investigation Team]

An interesting read for military personnel seeking to better understand the impact of ongoing war on civilian cities. This article focuses on the Ukrainian border city of Vovchansk, comparing its conditions before and after the war, and explores how conflict reshapes both the physical environment and the lives of its inhabitants.

Link: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/10/28/how-russias-invasion-flattened-a-ukrainian-border-city/

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Manoeuvre Is Dead – But It Can Be Revived: Overcoming Stalemates By Gaining Competitive Advantage

[The Defence Horizon Journal, 27.10.2024, Patrick Hofstetter, Alan Borioli, Till Flemming]

Technological innovations such as ubiquitous drones have led to a stalemate in the current war in Ukraine. Western observers who see the war of attrition as a disadvantage ask whether it can be transformed into a war of manoeuvre. The authors argue that this is only possible if the West succeeds in exploiting competitive advantage through innovations that are not accessible to or exploitable by opponents. Until this situation is rectified, manoeuvre warfare will remain dead.

Link: https://tdhj.org/blog/post/manoeuvre-innovation/

Seven Reflections of a «Red Commander»

[Army University Press, 09/2024, Ian M. Sullivan]

In this article Ian M. Sullivan, deputy chief of staff, G-2, for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), shares his reflections on wargaming and what he has learned by playing the «Red Commander». He summarizes his main findings into seven key lessons, insightful for all military leaders and tacticians.

Link: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2024-OLE/Red-Commander/

Drones are Transforming the Battlefield in Ukraine but in an Evolutionary Fashion

[War on the Rocks, 05.03.2024, Stacie L. Pettyjohn]

This article highlights the use of drones in the ongoing Ukrainian War, offering a more transparent and clear understanding of their role in modern warfare while also addressing their limitations. It provides valuable insights into current conflict dynamics.

Link: https://warontherocks.com/2024/03/drones-are-transforming-the-battlefield-in-ukraine-but-in-an-evolutionary-fashion/

Moral Coping or Simply Uncomplicated Soldiering? How Soldiers Avoid Moral Injury Through Simplification, Justification, Rationalization, and Compartmentalization

[Armed Forces and Society, 18.04.2023, Tine Molendijk]

This paper explores how 80 formerly deployed Dutch veterans interpret and cope with moral challenges, revealing a middle ground between soldiers avoiding moral conflict and being deeply affected by it. It provides valuable insight into a process of coping with moral trauma and fosters a deeper understanding.

Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0095327X231165910

6 Essential Leadership Skills – and How to Develop Them

[Harvard Business Review, 18.10.2024, Rebecca Knight]

This article highlights essential skills for effective leadership in today’s world. While some of these skills may seem straightforward, the article offers valuable opportunities for self-reflection and presents the skills in a clear and concise manner.

Link: https://hbr.org/2024/10/6-essential-leadership-skills-and-how-to-develop-them

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Ukraine and the Problem of Restoring Maneuver in Contemporary War

[ISW Press, 12.08.2024, Frederick W. Kagan, Kimberly Kagan and others]

A new analysis of Ukraine’s ongoing Kursk Campaign reveals how this war is setting the stage for future conflicts. Despite Russia’s capacity to observe Ukrainian forces, Ukraine managed to achieve operational surprise, underscoring that maneuver warfare remains viable even in highly monitored battlefields. The report highlights Ukraine’s ability to capitalize on technological innovation and exploit gaps in Russian defenses, offering key strategies for breaking stalemates. It explores the broader implications of emerging technologies like drones, electronic warfare, and missile defense systems, which are quickly evolving and will probably shape future warfare.

Link: https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/ukraine-and-problem-restoring-maneuver-contemporary-war

How Russia and Ukraine Tracks Mobile Phones on the Battlefield

[Commsrisk, 26.02.2024, Eric Priezkalns, Cathal Mc Daid]

A report by Cathal Mc Daid, VP of Technology at Enea, explores the various methods Russia and Ukraine are using to track mobile phones on the battlefield. The report identifies three key tracking techniques—radio, network, and device-enabled—each broken down into several subtypes. It highlights the significant risks mobile phones pose to soldiers in war zones, offering crucial advice on how to minimize exposure. Additionally, the study emphasizes the broader implications for military communication, pointing out that even advanced nations may not have invested enough in secure systems to protect their forces.

Link: https://commsrisk.com/how-russia-and-ukraine-tracks-mobile-phones-on-the-battlefield/

Wolfgang Bauer – Kriegsreporter: «Ich bin ein totaler Angsthase.»

[Im Gespräch, 27.06.2024, Katrin Heise, Wolfgang Bauer]

Der Journalist Wolfgang Bauer berichtet aus Ländern wie Afghanistan, Syrien und der Ukraine. Für ihn ist es essenziell, als direkter Augenzeuge aus Krisen- und Kriegsgebieten zu berichten. Er spricht über persönliche Erkenntnisse, liefert faszinierende Einblicke und zeigt eine etwas andere Perspektive auf. Der Podcast eignet sich ideal, um den eigenen Horizont zu erweitern und sich intensiver mit den komplexen Themen rund um Krisengebiete auseinanderzusetzen.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/66QisjyxXnJFhwK2r3RHuQ

How to avoid groupthink on your team

[Atlassian, 02.11.2023, Kat Boogaard]

This article is great introduction to the concept of groupthink and allows one to reflect on its potential consequences. It provides valuable insights on how to recognize groupthink and offers strategies to counteract it, promoting a culture of critical thinking. Understanding this phenomenon can be beneficial for leaders, especially in organizations with traditionally strong hierarchies, such as the armed forces.

Link: https://www.atlassian.com/blog/teamwork/groupthink

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Preliminary Lessons from Ukraine’s Offensive Operations, 2022–23

[RUSI, 18.07.2024, Jack Watling, Oleksandr V Danylyuk, Nick Reynolds]

The 2023 Ukrainian offensive, initially grounded in a solid strategy, failed due to critical errors and missed opportunities by both Ukraine and its international partners. Delays in equipment, inadequate training, and flawed assumptions about Russian forces led to a breakdown in execution. This report is essential reading for military leaders, offering crucial lessons on modern warfare, including the importance of counter-reconnaissance, electronic protection, and the need for adaptable strategies in regenerating combat power. Understanding these failures is key to avoiding similar mistakes and enhancing future NATO operations.

Link: https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/special-resources/preliminary-lessons-ukraines-offensive-operations-2022-23

Panzer statt Bullerbü: Nach dem Überfall auf die Ukraine rüsten die skandinavischen Länder auf. So geht Zeitenwende

[NZZ, 20.08.2024, Marco Kaufmann Bossart]

Dieser Artikel bietet wertvolle Einblicke für militärische Führungskräfte, indem er die drastischen sicherheitspolitischen Umbrüche in den skandinavischen Ländern nach dem russischen Überfall auf die Ukraine beleuchtet. Er zeigt, wie entschlossene Aufrüstung und die Abkehr von langjähriger Neutralitätspolitik die Verteidigungsstrategien in Nordeuropa aktuell nachhaltig verändern.

Link: https://www.nzz.ch/meinung/skandinavien-zeigt-wie-zeitenwende-geht-ld.1840980

What is psychological safety?

[McKinsey & Company, 7/2023, McKinsey]

Psychological safety—the absence of interpersonal fear— is critical for peak performance in all areas of life, from work to home. This article delves into why creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and admit mistakes without fear of judgment or retaliation is essential for fostering innovation, productivity, and team effectiveness. Backed by McKinsey’s research, it offers valuable insights for leaders on how to cultivate psychological safety through specific leadership behaviors and development strategies. Military and business leaders alike will find this a compelling read for understanding how to build stronger, more resilient teams.

Link: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-psychological-safety

The Hidden War in Gaza and the West Bank

[Bellingcat, 29.04.2024, Bellingcat Investigation Team]

As Israel gears up for its Rafah offensive, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, yet restricted media access obscures the full extent of the devastation. In this article, Bellingcat and Scripps News utilize open-source imagery to expose the widespread destruction and deteriorating conditions in Gaza. Simultaneously, the escalating conflict in the West Bank is also highlighted, with satellite imagery revealing continued settlement expansions and rising tensions. This analysis provides a crucial, underreported perspective on the ongoing conflicts, making it a must-read for those seeking to understand the full scope of the crisis.

Link: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/04/29/the-hidden-war-in-gaza-and-the-west-bank/

Wer ist schuld an der Sicherheitslücke beim Trump-Auftritt? Eine Videoanalyse

[NZZ, 18.07.2024, Isabelle Pfister, Jasmine Jacot-Descombes]

Wer trägt die Verantwortung für die Sicherheitslücke bei Donald Trumps Auftritt, bei dem er nur knapp dem Tod entging? Diese Videoanalyse beleuchtet, wie es zu diesem gefährlichen Vorfall kommen konnte. Dabei wird unter anderem das Sicherheitsdispositiv des Secret Service erläutert. Hat der Secret Service versagt, oder liegt die Schuld bei der Polizei? Der Artikel untersucht die gemachten Fehler und gibt spannende Einblicke in die Abläufe hinter den Kulissen. Eine aufschlussreiche Analyse für alle, die an Sicherheitsfragen und den Hintergründen solcher Ereignisse interessiert sind.

Link: https://www.nzz.ch/international/wer-ist-schuld-an-der-sicherheitsluecke-in-butler-eine-videoanalyse-ld.1839679

Deviance and Innovation: Change in a «Society of Saints»

[Joint Force Quarterly, 25.07.2024, Thaddeus V. Drake, Derrick L. McClain]

This article is a must-read for military leaders who seek to balance order and discipline with the need for innovation. It challenges conventional wisdom by proposing that controlled deviance within a rigid structure can be a driving force for change and improvement, offering valuable insights into how military organizations can adapt in rapidly changing environments.

Link: https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol114/iss2/5/

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Military Leadership: An Introduction to Future-Oriented Leadership Concepts

[stratos, 09.07.2024, Sarah Von Felten, p. 126-130]

In a world of constant change, modern military leadership must evolve. This article explores future-oriented concepts such as Change Management, Mental Health/Resilience, and Work-Life Balance, which are crucial for effective leadership. Sarah von Felten, a researcher at ETH Zurich’s Military Academy, highlights the importance of adapting traditional leadership models to ensure operational success and team well-being. By integrating these strategies, leaders can navigate dynamic environments and meet contemporary challenges. Interested readers will also find many other interesting articles in this issue of stratos.

Link: https://backend.vtg.admin.ch/fileservice/sdweb-docs-prod-vtgch-files/files/2024/07/09/c013217c-37f0-41be-a267-4a98728f2adf.pdf

Cybersicherheit im Weltraum verstehen

[CSS ETH Zürich, 6/2024, Clémence Poirier]

Der Artikel «Cybersicherheit im Weltraum verstehen» beleuchtet die enge Verbindung von Cyber- und Weltraum und zeigt die wachsende Bedrohung für Weltrauminfrastrukturen durch Cyberangriffe auf. Am Beispiel der Cyberattacke auf das KA-SAT-Satellitennetzwerk vor der Invasion der Ukraine im Jahr 2022 wird die Verwundbarkeit kritischer Systeme deutlich. Für militärische Führungspersonen bietet der Artikel wichtige Einblicke in die Bedrohungslandschaft und die notwendigen politischen, rechtlichen und technischen Massnahmen, um Satelliten und damit verbundene Operationen zu schützen. Ein unverzichtbarer Beitrag für alle, die die Sicherheit moderner militärischer Systeme verstehen und verbessern wollen.

Link: https://css.ethz.ch/publikationen/css-analysen-zur-sicherheitspolitik/details.html?id=/n/o/3/4/no_343_understanding_cybersecurity_in_ou

China Unveils World’s 1st Virtual Military Commander; Participates In Computer Wargames To Prepare For Future

[The EurAsian Times, 16.06.2024, Ritu Sharma]

China has unveiled the world’s first virtual military commander, actively participating in large-scale computer wargames. As global debates continue on the ethics of AI in warfare, China’s AI commander is already simulating real-life military scenarios at the National Defense University. Unlike in the US, where AI supports human commanders, China’s AI mimics human decision-making with unprecedented authority. This raises crucial questions about the future role of AI in the military, highlighting both its potential and the ethical challenges it presents. An essential read for understanding the future of AI in warfare.

Link: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/china-unveils-worlds-1st-virtual-military/

Le leadership ne se résume pas à l’efficacité et aux processus

[Forbes, 10.07.2023, Joyce E. A. Russell]

Certains affirment que le remplacement des cadres humains par des robots permettrait d’accroître l’efficacité et d’éliminer les incohérences. Ce débat soulève toutefois une question centrale : Le leadership peut-il être simplement réduit à l’efficacité ? Joyce E. A. Russell explore ce sujet en soulignant l’importance des qualités humaines dans le leadership, telles que l’empathie et la reconnaissance, qui inspirent les employés et enrichissent leur expérience professionnelle. Lisez dans cet article quelques arguments pour et contre cette révolution robotique dans le leadership.

Link (FR): https://www.forbes.fr/business/le-leadership-ne-se-resume-pas-a-lefficacite-et-aux-processus/
Link (EN): https://www.forbes.com/sites/joyceearussell/2023/04/10/leadership-is-more-than-just-efficiency-and-processes/

Old and new lessons from the Ukraine War

[The Strategist, 07.06.2024, Joseph S. Nye]

This article summarizes the crucial lessons from the Ukraine War in a short and precise manner, revealing insights into modern warfare tactics, the impact of information campaigns, and the unpredictability of conflicts. It’s an interesting read for all Swiss military officers, yearning to get a better understanding for the ongoing dynamics in modern conflicts.

Link: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/old-and-new-lessons-from-the-ukraine-war/

How generational stereotypes hold us back at work

[TEDxCreightonU, 4/2018, Leah Gorges]

In this insightful TED Talk, social psychologist Leah Georges explores the dynamics of the multigenerational workforce, encompassing the Silent Generation, baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z. She challenges the assumptions that often create barriers between these groups and highlights how our similarities outweigh our differences. Georges provides practical strategies for improving communication and collaboration across generations. This talk is particularly interesting for military leaders, who work with diverse age groups and must bridge generational gaps to foster effective teamwork and mission success.

Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/leah_georges_how_generational_stereotypes_hold_us_back_at_work?subtitle=en&geo=fr&trigger=0s

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Are we celebrating the wrong leaders?

[TEDxBerlin, 2/2024, Martin Gutmann]

Historian Martin Gutmann challenges our admiration for dramatic crisis leadership by exploring the concept of action fallacy. Using the example of the famed but disaster-prone explorer Ernest Shackleton, Gutmann argues that true leadership lies in preventing crises before they occur, rather than managing them with bold actions. This thought-provoking TED talk offers a fresh perspective on what makes a leader truly effective—a perspective that is equally appliable to the realm of military leadership.

Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_gutmann_are_we_celebrating_the_wrong_leaders?subtitle=en

Kriegsreporter Kurt Pelda: «Um die Ukraine steht es besser, als viele glauben»

[ch media, 06.06.2024, Hinter der Schlagzeile]

Kriegsreporter Kurt Pelda beleuchtet den Einsatz von Drohnen an der Nordost-Front des Ukrainekrieges, Herausforderungen mit der innerpolitischen Mobilisierung und wie die russische elektronische Kriegsführung den Kriegsverlauf weiter beeinflussen könnte. Seine anschauliche Darstellung bietet Führungspersonen eine neue Perspektive auf die Lage in der Ukraine und die besonderen Herausforderungen während Kriegszeiten.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fym5cfgV0dwDuFXJmHDHb

Zombie leadership: Dead ideas that still walk among us

[The Leadership Quarterly, 16.01.2024, Haslam et al.]

Despite significant advancements in leadership theory, outdated and debunked concepts persist, driven by the interests of elites and the leadership industry. In «Zombie Leadership», Haslam, Alvesson, and Reicher dissect these «zombie» ideas, revealing how they flatter the powerful while stifling true progress. The paper identifies eight core axioms of zombie leadership, challenging the narrative which glorifies leaders at the expense of followers and collective success. This provocative review calls for a re-evaluation of leadership paradigms to finally put these dead ideas to rest and embrace more evidence-based approaches.

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1048984323000966#s0025

Er formt die künftigen Berufsoffiziere – Ein Gespräch mit dem Kommandanten der Militärakademie

[Team Armee Live, 21.06.2024, Matthias Müller, Hugo Roux]

Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen der Militärakademie der Schweizer Armee: Brigadier Hugo Roux spricht über seine Aufgaben als Kommandant der Bildungsstätte für zukünftige Berufsoffiziere. Er erläutert, was Leadership für ihn ausmacht und welche Werte er als Führungsperson pflegt. Dabei teilt er seine Ansichten zu Disziplin, Wertevermittlung, Loyalität, Einbezug der Unterstellten, Ehrlichkeit und der Wichtigkeit von Rollenverständnis. Seine Lebenserfahrungen und interessanten Ansätze bieten wertvolle Anregungen zur Selbstreflexion für sämtliche Führungskräfte.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ishbQNzS3U

Techcraft on Display in Ukraine

[War on the Rocks, 16.05.2024, Brian A. Hester, Dennis Doyle, Ronan A. Sefton]

In modern warfare, tactics and technology are inseparable. The authors highlight the concept of «techcraft» – the field-expedient use of technology in war – as crucial for soldiers’ success on the battlefield. Ukraine’s defense, using creative combinations of tactics and technology, demonstrates the importance of rapidly integrating technological innovations. To foster these skills in the U.S. Army, leaders must invite, enable, lead, and share insights with their soldiers, creating a culture of continuous innovation and adaptation.

Link: https://warontherocks.com/2024/05/techcraft-on-display-in-ukraine/

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee – How Allies adapt to drones

[NATO Defense College, 3/2024, LTC Brian R. Miletich]

LTC Brian R. Miletich from the U.S. Army War College explores the profound impact of drone proliferation on modern warfare. The paper argues that while drones significantly enhance combat capabilities, they do not fundamentally alter the nature of war. Instead, they represent an evolutionary rather than revolutionary change. Miletich emphasizes the need for NATO to integrate these technological advancements into strategic defense planning, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies, network resilience, and comprehensive modernization to maintain a tactical edge in a rapidly evolving battlespace.

Link: https://www.ndc.nato.int/news/news.php?icode=1934

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

Kriegstüchtig? Wo steht die Bundeswehr?

[Zeitschrift für Innere Führung 2/24, 05.2024, Bundeswehr]

Diese reichhaltige Ausgabe der Zeitschrift für Innere Führung der Bundeswehr bespricht unter anderem die Themen Gesamtverteidigung, Kriegstüchtigkeit, hybride Kriegsführung und Resilienz. Viele Fragen, die sich in Deutschland zum Thema Kriegstüchtigkeit stellen, tun dies so oder ähnlich auch der Schweiz und ihrer Armee bei der Wiedererreichung der Verteidigungsfähigkeit. Der Politikwissenschaftler Carlo Masala stellt auf Seite 58 fest: «Wir [die Bundesrepublik] sind noch nicht im Krieg, aber auch nicht mehr im Frieden. Dieses Mindset muss überall einsickern.»

Link: https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/aktuelles/publikationen

The Syrsky War: Ukraine’s Supreme Commander Is Betting on Drones, Patience and Discipline

[Kyiv Post, 04.2024, Stefan Korshak]

In this article, the author examines the changes the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have undergone since General Syrsky took over their command from General Zaluzhny. Especially with the AFU having suffered from shell hunger, they started to increasingly rely on drones and currently produce around 70’000 combat-ready FPV drones per month. In some Ukrainian brigades, there is now one full battalion of drone operators for every two battalions of infantry.

Link: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/31637

«Quanten-Computing, künstliche Intelligenz, synthetische Biologie, Nanotechnologie. Das alles kommt auf uns zu, ein Riesenhammer», sagt der NDB-Chef

[NZZ, 04.2024, Marcel Gyr, Georg Häsler, Susanne Goldschmid]

Der Chef vom Nachrichtendienst des Bundes (NDB), Christian Dussey, spricht über die Herausforderungen, welche die Transformation des NDB mit sich bringt. Ähnlich verhält es sich auch in der Armee oder in Unternehmen: Der Wandel der Zeit erfordert eine Anpassung, aber oft fordert diese notwendige Anpassung die herrschende Führungskultur heraus. Dadurch werden Menschen innerhalb der Organisation verunsichert. Beim NDB ist dies insbesondere relevant, da verunsicherte Mitarbeiter ein potenzielles Sicherheitsrisiko darstellen. Dussey führt weiter aus, dass sich der NDB bereits in einem hybriden Krieg befinde, von welchem auch die Schweiz direkt oder indirekt betroffen sei.

Link: https://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/interview-mit-ndb-direktor-christian-dussey-ld.1824575

Führungsstärke in zwei Welten: Der Weg von Christoph Hürlimann

[Youtube Team Armee Live, 04.2024, Christoph Hürlimann, Mathias Müller]

In der heutigen Folge des offiziellen Podcasts der Schweizer Armee tauchen wir tief ein in die Welt von Christoph Hürlimann – einem Mann, der nicht nur als erfolgreicher Unternehmer bekannt ist, sondern auch als der älteste Bataillonskommandant der Schweizer Armee in Erscheinung tritt. Welche wertvollen Lektionen aus seiner Militärzeit konnte er in die zivile Welt übertragen? Christoph teilt mit uns seine kritischen Ansichten über die zunehmende Bürokratie innerhalb der Armee und diskutiert die interessante Perspektive, dass man Menschen zwar demotivieren, aber nicht motivieren kann. Dieses Gespräch bietet mehr als nur einen Einblick in das Leben eines aussergewöhnlichen Milizoffiziers; es ist eine Inspiration für jede und jeden, der die Bedeutung von Führung, Engagement und die Übertragung von militärischen Werten in das zivile Leben verstehen möchte.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IR0OBYd1Ic

What is «Hybrid Warfare», Really?

[CEPA, 02.2021, Mark Voyger]

NATO defines «Hybrid threats» as a combination of «military and non-military as well as covert and overt means, including disinformation, cyber-attacks, economic pressure, deployment of irregular armed groups and use of regular forces». Hybrid methods are being used to «blur the lines between war and peace, and attempt to sow doubt in the minds of target populations. They aim to destabilise and undermine societies».¹ Hybrid threats place challenging demands on military leaders. The leader’s information may be severely restricted, or he or she risks being deceived. Nevertheless, the need for the leaders to take rapid decisions still persists. This article serves as a starting point to understand the concept of hybrid threats and ways how one might be affected by it.

Link: https://cepa.org/article/what-is-hybrid-warfare-really/

The Commander’s Path to Victory: Communication without Comms

[Modern War Institute, 10.2023, Angus Fletcher, Tom Gaines]

The article is written from within the U.S. Armed Forces, which for the previous decades fought wars characterized by uncontested airspace and centralized and uncontested communications. Now, as the U.S. Armed Forces are preparing for a potential war with China, they are adapting to function even with fragmented communications. This is not just the case for the Army, all the three oldest warfighting domains within the U.S. Armed Forces are seeing an increasing adoption of mission command, the Army, the Navy, as well as the Air Force. The developments and lessons learned are not just relevant to the United States. In case of conflict, the Swiss Armed Forces may also have to operate with fragmented communications and would then have to rely more strongly on Auftragstaktik, on what English-speakers call Mission Command or Commander’s Intent. Especially notable is the article’s statement that «since commander’s intent requires leaders on both ends, transmitter and receiver, your communication chain must be populated with leaders. And since your communication chain extends throughout your entire organization, all your personnel—from top to bottom—need to be leaders».

Army: https://mwi.westpoint.edu/the-commanders-path-to-victory-communication-without-comms/

Air Force: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-doctrine-brown-decentralize/

Navy: https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/3639874/cno-releases-priorities-americas-warfighting-navy/

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

1. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_156338.htm ↩︎

The War in Ukraine: Reality Check for Emerging Technologies and the Future of Warfare

[Geneva Centre for Security Policy, 04.2024, Jean-Marc Rickli, Federico Mantellassi]

This extensive report elaborates on the impact emerging technologies will have on the future of warfare. The authors demonstrate how new technological realities (Drones, AI, Cyberspace & Information War) will shape the character of war in the future and are already doing so in the Ukraine War. Yet they also note, that despite the emergence of seemingly ground-breaking innovations in (weaponised) technology, the quantity of legacy systems such as tanks and artillery as well as a significant number of well-trained troops remain crucial.

Link (Click on «Read Publication»): https://www.gcsp.ch/publications/war-ukraine-reality-check-emerging-technologies-and-future-warfare

Fostering a «Will to Fight» Has to be NATO’s Next Priority

[RUSI Journal, 04.2024, Dominik Presl]

The War in Ukraine has shown that within a population, a shared willingness to defend the country can have decisive effects on the question if an aggressor’s plans succeed. To name an example, in the first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian Forces failed to consolidate their position in the northwest of Kyiv at Antonov Airport in Hostomel, partially due to armed volunteers providing resistance even before the Armed Forces of Ukraine arrived.¹

The article quotes the Finnish and Estonia Comprehensive Defence Strategies, which suggest that for citizens, «awareness and understanding of a credible threat to their security, a belief in the capacity of their country to defend itself from this threat, and an understanding of what their role would be in this effort are among the key factors increasing the willingness of citizens to defend their country».

Link: https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/fostering-will-fight-has-be-natos-next-priority

Cohesion, Performance, and Readiness: A Brigade-Level Experiment in the Art and Science of Organizational Culture

[Modern War Institute at West Point, 03.2024, Josh Bowen, Jon Bate]

A unit can be perfectly trained (Command), well-managed and have efficient processes (Management), yet its culture (Leadership) can still prevent the unit from achieving its missions. In other words: «Culture eats strategy for breakfast». A U.S. Army brigade attempted to answer the question how leaders can invest in unit culture in a way that increases performance. Therefore, they conducted an experiment in three steps. Firstly, 150 members of the brigade (from all levels of command) came together and defined unit culture and its different aspects. Secondly, they used a survey to systematically measure how those aspects are being perceived by members of the brigade. Thirdly, the brigade took action to cultivate unit culture, and prioritized aspects of culture where a unit received low scores. Early results of the experiment suggest, that through this culture development, the brigade increased in both cohesion within as well as in performance.

Link: https://mwi.westpoint.edu/cohesion-performance-and-readiness-a-brigade-level-experiment-in-the-art-and-science-of-organizational-culture/

La Culture Juste chez des Pilotes de Chasse, Conséquences sur leurs Apprentissages

[Stratos, 03.2024, Hervé Barras, Mario Schwarz, Marcel Mühlethaler]

Cet article montre l’impact de la culture juste sur le développement des compétences des pilotes de chasse. La culture juste est une pensée qui se repose sur le traitement et l’analyse des erreurs dans le but d’améliorer la sécurité. Il y a une logique d’apprentissage et d’amélioration en continue. Cette pensée est très développée dans le monde de l’aviation militaire. Dans cette étude exploratoire, quatre pilotes de chasse sont interrogés sur leur manière d’apprendre, leur rapport aux erreurs et les traces qu’ils collectent. Les résultats montrent clairement chez ces pilotes leurs capacités réflexives. Ils ont confiance dans la formation reçue, mais aussi dans les produits issus de cette culture juste. De plus, ils développent une confiance dans le groupe des pairs. Ce travail démontre clairement l’impact de cette culture juste dans la capacité de ces pilotes à se développer tout au long de leur carrière. Cependant, quelques apports de la pratique réflexive pourraient être inséré dans la formation et la carrière professionnel pour valoriser et partager le développement des compétences.

Link: https://www.vtg.admin.ch/de/aktuell/publikationen/stratos.detail.publication.html/vtg-internet/de/publications/stratos/stratos-artikel/stratos_digital_78_Barras_et-al_Debriefing_def2.pdf.html

The Return of the Tactical Crisis

[Modern War Institute at West Point, 03.2024, Randy Noorman]

The tactical crisis resulted out of the emergence of increased firepower paired with higher accuracy and range and describes the crisis on the tactical level, as the threat of enemy firepower posed a dilemma. On one hand, achieving a local breakthrough requires a concentration of forces, on the other hand, concentrating forces put them at great risk of enemy artillery. This dilemma was later overcome by higher mobility, and speed allowed combat troops to conduct offensive operations whilst avoiding indirect fire. The article also elaborates on the roots of «Auftragstaktik». In Ukraine, more advanced reconnaissance led to a nearly transparent battlefield. Paired with fast-targeting artillery and precise combat drones, this improved reconnaissance is translated into increased lethality of any movement (80% of the causalities in the Ukraine War are due to artillery²) and therefore favors positional, dug-in warfare, as opposed to warfare based on maneuver. The author of this article therefore argues that the tactical crisis of the 19th and 20th century has returned and states that «because dispersion increases a commander’s span of control, it reduces the ability to command and control the overall battle and in turn, raises the need for independent action of subordinate commanders».

Link: https://mwi.westpoint.edu/the-return-of-the-tactical-crisis/

The Attritional Art of War: Lessons from the Russian War on Ukraine

[RUSI Journal, 03.2024, Alex Vershinin]

The author remarks how in a potential great power conflict in the future, a strategy focused on attrition rather than on maneuver might prove decisive. He then elaborates on the implications of such a strategy. For one, a high capacity for force generation and replacements in both personnel and matériel would be required. Moreover, Vershinin remarks on how the force-centric approach required for wars of attrition tends to benefit armies which are officer-focused. This stands in contrast to most Western Armies, including the Swiss Armed Forces, with its attempt to train competent Non-Commissioned Officers (Unteroffiziere / sous-officiers). Having thoroughly trained NCOs allows for troops to conduct more complex operations. Nevertheless, in the case of an attritional war, replacing them with equally well-trained NCOs would take a considerable amount of time and further strain the resources of the Armed Forces. Despite it having other drawbacks, Armed Forces (such as in Russia) mostly rely on officers (Lieutenants) to lead their troops. Since it takes only a fraction of the number of lieutenants compared to NCOs and since in such armies, lieutenants tend to be further from the frontline than NCOs who are expected to lead their troops by example, fewer trained leaders are WIA or KIA, which makes it easier to replace losses or quickly expand forces.

Link: https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/attritional-art-war-lessons-russian-war-ukraine

À propos de « Update Conduite »

Le « Update Conduite » est une rubrique récurrente de la newsletter Leader’s Digest. Cette newsletter est le fruit d’une coopération entre le Leadership Campus de l’Armée suisse et les études conduite et communication de l’Académie militaire à l’EPF de Zurich. Si vous n’êtes pas encore abonné au Leader’s Digest, vous trouverez de plus amples informations ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en cliquant sur ce lien.

Si vous découvrez des choses intéressantes à lire sur Command, Leadership ou Management, nous serions heureux que vous les partagiez avec nous. Nous serions heureux de recevoir des conseils pour le prochain numéro du Leader’s Digest par .

1. https://icds.ee/en/ukraines-territorial-defence-on-a-war-footing/ ↩︎
2. https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-the-race-to-rearm-could-decide-who-wins-the-conflict-12817694 ↩︎