Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the transmission belt that translates adaptation by troops in the field and wider changes in the operational environment to adaptation, emulation and innovation in the institutional Army. It investigates, in particular, the potential of lessons-learned processes to improve military performance by enhancing intra- and inter-organisational learning. The book provides the first comparative analysis of the variables which facilitate or impede the emergence of best practice in military learning. It demonstrates that getting the detail of learning mechanisms right is vital in ensuring effective adaptation, innovation and emulation during conflict. The book explores the insights of the literature on military change, including organisation theory, bureaucratic politics and strategic and organisational culture, about the sources of military learning.