Investigating the U.S. Army's Human Dimension Strategy

Abstract

In 2015, the U.S. Army developed a vision to "win in a complex world" called the Army Human Dimension Strategy (AHDS). The AHDS elevates the importance of optimizing individuals and teams as a hedge against the future world challenges (2015). While the AHDS applies to all "warfighting" functions, this thesis investigates the Human Dimension Strategy transformation efforts applied to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICOE) as the enterprise within the larger Human Dimension Enterprise (HDE). The ability of the HDE to provide "optimized human performance" depends on the interaction and alignment of numerous stakeholders across three levels - enterprise, organization, and individual. The HDE is a "system of systems" that requires a systems approach for investigating the transformation of the HDE. The author's intent is to capture key insights for implementing the AHDS. The research methodology includes a literature review, case study, and a systems approach using architecting innovative enterprise strategy (ARIES), systems architecture heuristics, and systems requirements. The research analyzes the interfaces of the enterprise boundaries such as the Individuals, Instructors, Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (CDID), and Centers of Excellence (COE) [IICCE]. By focusing on these key interfaces, the HDE will be able to streamline the value creation and capture more value. A systems approach provides a more holistic understanding of the AHDS. The human dimension strategy objectives are achievable with the alignment of the enterprise goals, system level requirements, organizational programs, and individual stakeholder needs. The research recommends that the AHDS transformation leverage the synergies with three existing Army programs - Performance Triad (P3), Center for Enhanced Program (CEP), and Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning (THOR3). These three programs address the derived system level requirements for the AHDS's envisioned future.