In Pursuit of Understanding Lean Transformation -- Capturing Local Change Journeys in a DoD Field Environment

Abstract

The global security landscape has drastically changed since the Cold War. The attacks of September 11 and subsequent coalition operations demonstrate that the global war on terror is against a new breed of enemy - continuously changing and adapting to US military strategies and tactics. Future Department of Defense (DoD) weapon system acquisition organizations and processes must adapt with this new threat - transforming to an enterprise that is capable of quickly delivering value to the war-fighter in a resource constrained environment with high operational tempos and aging fleets. Guided by the Secretary of Defense, both the USAF and USN have adopted "lean" principles as a compass to help guide their transformational journeys.