The importance of the widespread presence of information architecture, systems and organizations, both private and public, cannot be overstated. Technological advances, diversity and access are generating changes in force structure and methods of operation and creating conditions for technological surprise. This environment has eroded the US technological overmatch. Cultural and demographic factors that transcend borders make conflict resolution a complicated and lengthy process, often requiring several changes in the nature of an operation before an end state can be achieved. 3 Both the SLC and TLC address these complexities, using scenarios that offer insights on the degree and depth of adaptability necessary in IBCT leaders.
Recent examples highlight the adaptive-thinking requirements demanded by rapid mission changes.
During May and June 1970 elements of several US and South Vietnamese divisions entered Cambodia in the Sanctuary Counteroffensive designed to deprive the North Vietnamese army staging areas from which to attack Saigon. The decentralized conflict often required platoons to operate independently. Cohesion was further fragmented. The bulk of the troops were individual replacements, many only recently arrived in country. After two months of mostly conventional confrontation, US troops returned to South Vietnam and a more unconventional fight.