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Introduction
It may not be evident, but Knowledge Management has been a key component of Army operations since 1775, at least as defined by Army doctrine in FM 6-01.1.
Knowledge Management (KM) is the process of enabling knowledge flow to enhance shared understanding, learning, and decision-making.1
This definition describes an intentional process of collecting, analyzing, and transferring knowledge of the battlefield and combatant forces in order to make better strategic and tactical decisions. The concept of gathering and disseminating knowledge about the enemy was a key component of General George Washington's command structure during the Revolutionary War and remains so today. What we now call KM is an essential part of Mission Command and a primary mission of the Army Operational KM Proponent (AOKMP).
Today's Army has a better understanding of the people, processes, tools, and organization necessary to collect, analyze, and transfer knowledge-important underpinnings of Mission Command and decision making. Consequently, the army is developing the training necessary to make KM an integral part of staff and decision making processes-a major responsibility of the Army's KM Proponent Office at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
The AOKMP
In order to manage change within the Army, the Department of the Army (DA) established Force Modernization Proponents which are responsible for determining and integrating doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policies (DOTMLPF) requirements and actions. AR 5-22, The Army Force Modernization Proponent System designates the Commander,...