## Level Up Your Thinking: Can You Run a War Like a Company?
Gamestanza is all about strategy, right? Mastering complex systems, outmaneuvering your opponents, and ultimately achieving victory. But what happens when the battlefield isn’t pixels, but real-world geopolitical tension? That’s the question Foreign Affairs tackles in their latest piece, arguing that the Pentagon can’t be run like a business.
Think about your favorite strategy game, the one where you micromanage every resource, optimize every unit, and strive for maximum efficiency. Now imagine applying those same principles to global defense. Sounds tempting, right? But Foreign Affairs warns that simplifying warfare to a corporate model ignores the messy realities of human conflict, alliances, and the very essence of international relations.
Get ready to strategize on a whole new level as we delve into the Foreign Affairs article and explore why running the Pentagon like a business might be the worst level boss fight imaginable.The Need for Ethical Considerations
Prioritizing People Over Profits
The inherent tension between the business model and the ethical complexities of national security demands careful consideration. While efficiency and cost-cutting are essential for any organization, the Pentagon operates in a unique context where human lives are at stake. Applying a purely business-oriented lens to national security can lead to detrimental consequences for service members, both physically and mentally.
The pressure to perform like a business can exacerbate existing ethical dilemmas in modern warfare. As RADHA IYENGAR PLUMB, Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Perry World House and a Senior Fellow at the Wharton Accountable AI Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, argues, “We need to ensure that the pursuit of efficiency and cost savings does not come at the expense of the well-being of our service members.” Plumb, who served as Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Department of Defense from 2024 to 2025, emphasizes the importance of human-centered design in military technology and operations.
The Toll on Personnel
The “business-like” approach to the military can negatively impact morale, innovation, and the mental health of individuals serving in the armed forces. Service members are exposed to extraordinary stress and risk, and demanding a relentless focus on efficiency can create a culture of burnout and disillusionment. Furthermore, the standardized, metrics-driven approach often stifles creativity and critical thinking, which are crucial for adaptability and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
MICHAEL C. HOROWITZ, Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations and Richard Perry Professor and Director of the Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania, highlights the importance of investing in the human capital of the military. Horowitz, who served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Development and Emerging Capabilities from 2022 to 2024, stresses the need to create a supportive and psychologically safe environment where service members feel valued and empowered.
The potential consequences of neglecting these ethical considerations are profound. A demoralized and stressed workforce can lead to reduced effectiveness, increased risk-taking, and a higher likelihood of mission failure. Moreover, the long-term mental health effects of combat and the pressures of a demanding military environment can be severe, leading to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Agile and Adaptable
Rethinking Organizational Structures
To effectively respond to the complex and evolving challenges of the 21st century, the Pentagon must adopt organizational models that prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement. Traditional hierarchical structures, designed for a more predictable world, can be slow to adapt and stifle innovation. Instead, the Department of Defense should embrace agile methodologies, decentralized decision-making, and cross-functional teams that foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Gamestanza has previously explored the successful application of agile principles in various industries, demonstrating its ability to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and innovation. The military can benefit from similar approaches, particularly in areas such as technology development, cyber operations, and crisis management.
Embracing a Culture of Innovation
A culture of innovation is essential for national security in the 21st century. The rapid pace of technological change means that the Pentagon must constantly adapt and evolve to stay ahead of potential adversaries. This requires a willingness to experiment, to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and to reward creativity and risk-taking.
Gamestanza encourages the Pentagon to cultivate a climate where individuals feel empowered to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and propose innovative solutions. Investing in research and development, fostering partnerships with industry and academia, and creating platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing are all crucial steps in building a culture of innovation within the Department of Defense.
The Importance of Human Capital
Investing in Training and Development
The most valuable asset in national security is the human capital of the military. Service members are the ones who ultimately make the decisions, execute the missions, and safeguard the nation. Therefore, investing in their training, development, and well-being is paramount.
Gamestanza advocates for a comprehensive approach to human capital development that includes not only technical skills but also leadership, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Investing in advanced training programs, simulation exercises, and opportunities for professional growth will ensure that service members are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world.
Prioritizing Mental Health Support
The mental health of service members is a critical concern, particularly given the demanding nature of their work and the potential for exposure to trauma. The Pentagon must prioritize mental health support and create a culture that encourages individuals to seek help without stigma.
Gamestanza recognizes the importance of providing comprehensive mental health services, including access to counseling, therapy, and peer support. Early intervention and a focus on prevention are crucial in addressing the mental health needs of service members and preventing long-term consequences.
Conclusion
So, can the Pentagon really be run like a business? “The Pentagon Can’t Be Run Like a Business” in Foreign Affairs argues a resounding no, and for good reason. The article expertly lays out the inherent flaws in applying corporate models to national defense, highlighting the crucial differences in mission, accountability, and the very nature of the risks involved. While efficiency and cost-effectiveness are undoubtedly important, the Pentagon’s primary function is safeguarding national security, a complex and often unpredictable endeavor that transcends profit margins and quarterly reports.
Treating the military as a business risks undermining its core values and jeopardizing its effectiveness. The drive for profit can lead to corners being cut, cutting essential programs, and prioritizing short-term gains over long-term strategic planning. Furthermore, the article underscores the ethical dilemmas inherent in applying a purely business-driven approach to issues of war and peace. National security decisions should be guided by a robust ethical framework, not by the bottom line. As the world grapples with increasingly complex geopolitical challenges, the need for a thoughtful and nuanced approach to national defense becomes more critical than ever. We must recognize that the Pentagon, unlike any corporation, operates in a realm where human lives and global stability are at stake, and that demands a level of responsibility and foresight that transcends the realm of profit and loss.
The future of national security hinges on our ability to understand and address these complexities. It’s time to move beyond simplistic comparisons and engage in a serious and informed conversation about how to best equip our nation for the challenges ahead.
