Matthew White and J.J. Rutherford. 2/16/2021. “
Ace in the Hole: Private Sector Innovations for Naval Reserve Talent Management.” Kennedy School Review.
Publisher's VersionAbstractAfter 19 years of war in the Middle East and a concentrated effort on the counterterror (CT) and counterinsurgency (COIN) mission, the United States has finally completed its so-called “Pivot to the Pacific.” Washington’s gaze is, finally, fixed squarely on China and Russia. In this article we argue that in order to pace the threats posed by Great Power Competition (GPC), America’s best weapon is not newer technology and innovative weapons. Instead, our competitive advantage lies in unleashing the potential of our people. Our success hinges on the modernization of our personnel, billeting, and manpower systems. By adapting the models of American private sector and small startup teams like those found in Silicon Valley, the United States Navy can better prepare to meet the unique whole-of-government challenges that renewed Great Power Competition poses.
