Developing Adaptive Leaders for the War of Tomorrow

Writing for Victory

By Sgt. Maj. Noel DeJesus LTG (Retired) James M. Dubik Writing Fellow

Article published on: September 1, 2024 in the Army Communicator Fall/Winter 2024 Edition

Read Time: < 10 mins

Sgt. Maj. Noel DeJesus, U.S. Army Network EnterpriseTechnology Command

When the bullets stop and the dust settles, the written word ensures the sacrifices and lessons of the battlefield are never forgotten. In today’s rapidly evolvingmilitary landscape, professional writing is more than communication; it is a crucial tool for leadership, decision-making, and preserving institutional knowledge. Effective writing enables Army leaders to articulatestrategies, convey complex ideas clearly, sharpen critical thinking, and strengthen decision-making. It complements the Army’s core mission by fostering intellectual agility.

Implementing unit-level writing programs that require minimal resources and time ensures writingbecomes an integral part of professional development. These programs empower Soldiers to contribute meaningfully to the Army's success. Not only do they enhance organizational effectiveness and decision-making, but they ensure history and lessons learned are accurately documented for future generations. Byfostering a culture of writing, the Army positions itself to thrive. As Sgt. Maj. David Cyr emphasizes in his article “Regaining Relevance Through Effective Writing,” writing ensures Soldiers' voices are heard, and their contributions recognized (Cyr, 2024).

Leaders at all levels play a pivotal role in broader initiatives like the Harding Project, which advocates for embedding a writing culture within organizations. The Harding Project underscores that fostering such aculture is essential for developing leaders skilled not only in tactics and strategy but also in communication (Griffiths, 2024). Through active participation in theseprograms, leaders bridge the gap between writing and leadership, equipping Soldiers with the skills necessaryto lead effectively in the modern Army (Vowell, 2024).Valuing and encouraging writing within these programs contribute to the development of well-rounded leaders who can articulate their vision, influence others, and preserve knowledge for future generations.

A Strategic Initiative

programaligns with the sergeant major of the Army’s belief that to win wars, we must develop leaders with the courageand commitment to research, write, debate, and present their ideas (U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, n.d.). A unit-level writing program is not merely about grammar and syntax; it is a transformative initiative that cultivates a culture of professional discourse, serves as an incubator for innovative ideas, and enhances scholarship within the Army. Clear, concise, and impactful writing is essential for conveying complex technical information and strategic directives across the Army’s command structure. A recent initiative at America’s First Corps, highlighted byJennifer Bocanegra, exemplifies the growingrecognition of professional writing's importance across the Ar-my. America’s First Corps launched its profes- sional writing program to empower Soldiers to communicate effectively through writing as part of theirprofessional development (Bocanegra, 2024).

LTG (Retired) James M. Dubik Writing Fellowship

As a member of the LTG (Ret.) James M. Dubik Writing Fellowship, I have contributed significantly to promoting professional writing within the Army. TheDubik Writing Fellowship is a non-resident program designed to cultivate the next generation of militarywriters capable of influencing policy, doctrine, and public discourse (Army University Press, 2024). The14 members of the inaugural cohort are expected to excel in their operational duties while articulating insights and experiences through writing. This dual role enhances our ability to mentor others and contribute to theArmy’s intellectual development. The establishment of Dubik Fellows is a testament to the value of professional writing in shaping the Army’s future (Schmidt, 2024).

A Call to Action

Promoting a culture of writing does not detract from the Army’s core mission of cultivating lethality; instead, it enhances the intellectual rigor needed for strategic thinking and decision-making on the battlefield. Writing empowers Soldiers to think critically,communicate effectively, and document lessons that shape future operations. Unit-level writing programscan be established with minimal effort and at no cost, requiring just one hour of training time per month. Now is the time for action. By integrating writing into regular training schedules, every Soldier can play apivotal role in advancing the profession of arms.

The Army’s future depends on its ability to think, write, and communicate with precision. Let’s sharpen our pens and contribute to the Army’s legacy of leadership and excellence through the power of professional writing.

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