Bridging the Gap Between Warfighters and Industry The Professional and Personal Development of the Acquisition Officer

This study analyzes the professional and personal development of acquisition officers and their ability to cope with a rapidly changing environment. The paper compares Carl von Clausewitz's elements of genius to the formal and informal learning processes in the Air Force. In the review of formal learning, the major professional military education programs, such as Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College are reviewed. Additionally, the acquisition professional development program is assessed for its contribution to Clausewitzian genius. Experience, self-directed study, and mentoring fall under the rubric of informal learning. The Air Force counseling program and the non-commissioned officer mentoring culture is evaluated. Recent literature on the personal and professional development of employees is also reviewed. Finally, individuals from the warfighter, developer, and industry communities are interviewed for their thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the acquisition officer.