Lead Warfighters and Innovations: Collaborative Methods of Filling Capability Gaps

Abstract : Each war has a set of unique contextual elements that make it different from the wars of the past; thus, preparing for war will inevitably uncover capability gaps and deficiencies in warfighting capability. This paper explores the methods used by the Air Force acquisition community during combat operations to fill those gaps, with a specific concentration on developing and employing immature systems via the rapid response process (RRP). New concepts, such as effects-based operations (EBO) and evolutionary acquisition have the potential to enhance the acquisition professional s ability to support the warfighter during times of conflict. EBO will enhance the war planner s ability to highlight capability gaps, and with increased collaboration, the warfighters and acquisition professionals can work together to produce enhanced warfighting capability. Evolutionary acquisition, through spiral development, will speed up the acquisition process and provide more options for filling capability gaps. Underlying each of these concepts is the premise that the Air Force is able to innovate. Undoubtedly, the Air Force can innovate; however, research shows that modifications to current organizations are required to maximize the Air Force s most important source of innovation the lead warfighters. These modifications will enhance collaboration between the acquisition professionals and the lead warfighters to ensure the Air Force is capitalizing on this important source of innovation.