Hollow Promises: The Problem of Culture and the Integration of New Technology Into the Navy

Current Navy transformation is largely characterized by technology associated with Network Centric Warfare or NCW. New technologies and systems, however, often fail to live up to promised potential due to organizational resistance. The research problem of this monograph is to consider if current Navy culture (specifically the sub-culture of the Surface Warfare community) is compatible with NCW technologies and concepts. The research method for this monograph consists of using an historical case study as a point of reference and then draws parallels to contemporary Navy transformation. The historical case study used is the installation of radar onboard surface combatants in the Pacific at the beginning of the Second World War. The monograph demonstrates that the actions of U.S. Navy surface commanders during early engagement with Japanese Naval forces were consistent with existing culture despite the fact that such actions were counterproductive to the effective employment of radar. As a result, Navy surface forces suffered significant defeats, despite having a decisive technological advantage over the Japanese forces. Regarding contemporary Navy transformation, elements of Navy culture were identified that will potentially hinder the effective integration of Network Centric Warfare systems and concepts.

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