ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the lack of mention of civilian ideas, and analyses the role of civilian reformers in the change in the army's thinking, by examining the proposed civilian ideas, before analysing how the army adapted and utilised them. The Army and civilian critics were clear that there was a need for reform, but organisational change also requires the necessary resources and managerial commitment to provide the innovation. Army critics were often scathing of the manoeuvrists, especially concerning the issue of manoeuvre as an alternative to attrition. The link between the reform of the army's operational concerns and the changes to its internal culture was shown by the utilisation of manoeuvre to bring about operational success. The most important aspect of the civilian influence on the reform was the 'natural' rather than the 'rational' model of innovation, as the army had a problem to solve rather than starting from an empty strategic and organisational position.
