Doctrine and Disorder
@doctrinedisorder.bsky.social
Doctrine and Disorder explores strategy, doctrine, and Microsoft Teams’ endless sign-in loop. Not AR 25-50 compliant, rarely in the right format, and absolutely not representing anyone correctly.
https://substack.com/@doctrineanddisorder
https://substack.com/@doctrineanddisorder
Most plans fail long before execution.
Not because forces or timelines were wrong, but because an assumption quietly became a fact.
Assumptions are dependencies. If they endure, they require branches, not hope.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/assumption...
#planning #decisionmaking #staffwork
Not because forces or timelines were wrong, but because an assumption quietly became a fact.
Assumptions are dependencies. If they endure, they require branches, not hope.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/assumption...
#planning #decisionmaking #staffwork
Assumptions: The Plan Works... Until it Doesn't
A Quiet Source of Risk
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Most plans fail long before execution.
Not because forces or timelines were wrong, but because an assumption quietly became a fact.
Assumptions are dependencies. If they endure, they require branches, not hope.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/assumption...
#planning #decisionmaking #staffwork
Not because forces or timelines were wrong, but because an assumption quietly became a fact.
Assumptions are dependencies. If they endure, they require branches, not hope.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/assumption...
#planning #decisionmaking #staffwork
The loudest claims about the 8(a) program collapse under basic math.
It is statutory, tightly governed, and operationally useful. It exists because speed, negotiation, and industrial depth matter more than slogans.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
#DoD #Acquisition #8a
It is statutory, tightly governed, and operationally useful. It exists because speed, negotiation, and industrial depth matter more than slogans.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
#DoD #Acquisition #8a
What the SECWAR 8(a) Speech Gets Wrong
What the attack on the 8(a) program misunderstands about authority, fraud, and acquisition reality
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:16 PM
The loudest claims about the 8(a) program collapse under basic math.
It is statutory, tightly governed, and operationally useful. It exists because speed, negotiation, and industrial depth matter more than slogans.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
#DoD #Acquisition #8a
It is statutory, tightly governed, and operationally useful. It exists because speed, negotiation, and industrial depth matter more than slogans.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
#DoD #Acquisition #8a
Most plans don’t fail because they’re infeasible. They fail because no one agreed on what actually mattered.
Evaluation criteria force that agreement early.
That clarity is what decisions rest on.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/evaluation...
#militaryplanning #staffwork #decisionmaking
Evaluation criteria force that agreement early.
That clarity is what decisions rest on.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/evaluation...
#militaryplanning #staffwork #decisionmaking
Evaluation Criteria: Turning Understanding Into a Decision
Deciding What Matters Before Comparing Options
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Most plans don’t fail because they’re infeasible. They fail because no one agreed on what actually mattered.
Evaluation criteria force that agreement early.
That clarity is what decisions rest on.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/evaluation...
#militaryplanning #staffwork #decisionmaking
Evaluation criteria force that agreement early.
That clarity is what decisions rest on.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/evaluation...
#militaryplanning #staffwork #decisionmaking
Planning fails all the time.
Not because of the slides. Not because of the process.
Because planning is a human problem.
Why planning exists, and why this series does too.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/planning-i...
#Planning #Military #Command #Leadership #DoctrineAndDisorder
Not because of the slides. Not because of the process.
Because planning is a human problem.
Why planning exists, and why this series does too.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/planning-i...
#Planning #Military #Command #Leadership #DoctrineAndDisorder
Planning Is a Human Problem
Planning is how commanders employ people under uncertainty
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Planning fails all the time.
Not because of the slides. Not because of the process.
Because planning is a human problem.
Why planning exists, and why this series does too.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/planning-i...
#Planning #Military #Command #Leadership #DoctrineAndDisorder
Not because of the slides. Not because of the process.
Because planning is a human problem.
Why planning exists, and why this series does too.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/planning-i...
#Planning #Military #Command #Leadership #DoctrineAndDisorder
The NDAA passed. The budget didn’t.
This piece breaks down:
• Authorization vs appropriation
• Why shutdowns still happen
• Where PPBE fits in the mess
🔗 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/the-ndaa-d...
#DefensePolicy #NDAA #PPBE #DoD #NationalSecurity #PublicFinance
This piece breaks down:
• Authorization vs appropriation
• Why shutdowns still happen
• Where PPBE fits in the mess
🔗 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/the-ndaa-d...
#DefensePolicy #NDAA #PPBE #DoD #NationalSecurity #PublicFinance
The NDAA Didn’t Save You
Authorization, Appropriations, and Why the Shutdown Still Happens
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The NDAA passed. The budget didn’t.
This piece breaks down:
• Authorization vs appropriation
• Why shutdowns still happen
• Where PPBE fits in the mess
🔗 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/the-ndaa-d...
#DefensePolicy #NDAA #PPBE #DoD #NationalSecurity #PublicFinance
This piece breaks down:
• Authorization vs appropriation
• Why shutdowns still happen
• Where PPBE fits in the mess
🔗 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/the-ndaa-d...
#DefensePolicy #NDAA #PPBE #DoD #NationalSecurity #PublicFinance
If you consider yourself a defense innovator and still spend most of your time talking about drones, you’re not.
Drones are not innovation. They are a mature capability.
Innovation starts where trends end and new problems begin.
#DefenseInnovation #MilitaryThought #FutureWarfare
Drones are not innovation. They are a mature capability.
Innovation starts where trends end and new problems begin.
#DefenseInnovation #MilitaryThought #FutureWarfare
December 28, 2025 at 12:08 AM
If you consider yourself a defense innovator and still spend most of your time talking about drones, you’re not.
Drones are not innovation. They are a mature capability.
Innovation starts where trends end and new problems begin.
#DefenseInnovation #MilitaryThought #FutureWarfare
Drones are not innovation. They are a mature capability.
Innovation starts where trends end and new problems begin.
#DefenseInnovation #MilitaryThought #FutureWarfare
🎄 ’Twas the night before Christmas… and not a CONOP in sight.
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/twas-the-n...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #StaffLife #PlanningProblems #ChristmasAtThePentagon #Satire
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/twas-the-n...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #StaffLife #PlanningProblems #ChristmasAtThePentagon #Satire
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
E-Ring Edition
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:58 PM
🎄 ’Twas the night before Christmas… and not a CONOP in sight.
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/twas-the-n...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #StaffLife #PlanningProblems #ChristmasAtThePentagon #Satire
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/twas-the-n...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #StaffLife #PlanningProblems #ChristmasAtThePentagon #Satire
🎄 New on Doctrine & Disorder
What Santa’s Workshop can teach us about production, discipline, and why process should serve people—not replace them.
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-santa...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefenseReform #Acquisition #Leadership #Christmas
What Santa’s Workshop can teach us about production, discipline, and why process should serve people—not replace them.
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-santa...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefenseReform #Acquisition #Leadership #Christmas
What Santa’s Workshop Can Teach Us About Production
A Christmas Special
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
🎄 New on Doctrine & Disorder
What Santa’s Workshop can teach us about production, discipline, and why process should serve people—not replace them.
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-santa...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefenseReform #Acquisition #Leadership #Christmas
What Santa’s Workshop can teach us about production, discipline, and why process should serve people—not replace them.
👉 doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/what-santa...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefenseReform #Acquisition #Leadership #Christmas
Everyone says we need more lethality.
Almost no one can explain what that actually means.
New post 👇
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/lethality-...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefensePolicy #Lethality #MilitaryReform #NatSec
Almost no one can explain what that actually means.
New post 👇
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/lethality-...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefensePolicy #Lethality #MilitaryReform #NatSec
Lethality… The Answer to Every Question
When a word replaces thinking, strategy disappears.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Everyone says we need more lethality.
Almost no one can explain what that actually means.
New post 👇
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/lethality-...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefensePolicy #Lethality #MilitaryReform #NatSec
Almost no one can explain what that actually means.
New post 👇
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/lethality-...
#DoctrineAndDisorder #DefensePolicy #Lethality #MilitaryReform #NatSec
Make sure you get your "Magic: The Satellite" trading cards at your nearest USSF BX.
And they wonder why people don't take them seriously.
#USSF #Space #Spaceforce #Pentagon #MilitaryHumor
spacenews.com/space-force-...
And they wonder why people don't take them seriously.
#USSF #Space #Spaceforce #Pentagon #MilitaryHumor
spacenews.com/space-force-...
Space Force rolls out new naming scheme for satellites and space weapons
Space Force rolls out new naming scheme for satellites and space weapons Space Force rolls out new naming scheme for satellites and space weapons
spacenews.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Make sure you get your "Magic: The Satellite" trading cards at your nearest USSF BX.
And they wonder why people don't take them seriously.
#USSF #Space #Spaceforce #Pentagon #MilitaryHumor
spacenews.com/space-force-...
And they wonder why people don't take them seriously.
#USSF #Space #Spaceforce #Pentagon #MilitaryHumor
spacenews.com/space-force-...
Your NATSEC horoscope:
• Army — You will discover a new requirement
• Navy — Your program will be 4 years late
• Air Force — Someone said “JADC2” again
• Space Force — Stop making everything a constellation
• DoD — Blame the Continuing Resolution
#DoD #MilitaryHumor #DefenseTwitter #StrategySatire
• Army — You will discover a new requirement
• Navy — Your program will be 4 years late
• Air Force — Someone said “JADC2” again
• Space Force — Stop making everything a constellation
• DoD — Blame the Continuing Resolution
#DoD #MilitaryHumor #DefenseTwitter #StrategySatire
December 12, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Your NATSEC horoscope:
• Army — You will discover a new requirement
• Navy — Your program will be 4 years late
• Air Force — Someone said “JADC2” again
• Space Force — Stop making everything a constellation
• DoD — Blame the Continuing Resolution
#DoD #MilitaryHumor #DefenseTwitter #StrategySatire
• Army — You will discover a new requirement
• Navy — Your program will be 4 years late
• Air Force — Someone said “JADC2” again
• Space Force — Stop making everything a constellation
• DoD — Blame the Continuing Resolution
#DoD #MilitaryHumor #DefenseTwitter #StrategySatire
Continuing Resolutions aren’t a nuisance—they’re strategic self-sabotage.
We plan like a superpower but fund like a failing startup.
New Doctrine & Disorder piece:
#Defense #Acquisitions #NatSec #PPBE #Policy #Military
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/continuing...
We plan like a superpower but fund like a failing startup.
New Doctrine & Disorder piece:
#Defense #Acquisitions #NatSec #PPBE #Policy #Military
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/continuing...
Continuing Resolutions: America’s Annual Tradition of Strategic Self-Sabotage
We Plan Like a Superpower. We Fund Like a Failing Startup.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Continuing Resolutions aren’t a nuisance—they’re strategic self-sabotage.
We plan like a superpower but fund like a failing startup.
New Doctrine & Disorder piece:
#Defense #Acquisitions #NatSec #PPBE #Policy #Military
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/continuing...
We plan like a superpower but fund like a failing startup.
New Doctrine & Disorder piece:
#Defense #Acquisitions #NatSec #PPBE #Policy #Military
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/continuing...
Reform isn’t magic.
Acquisitions, planning, and running the DoD aren’t “broken” — they’re complex.
We keep demanding predictable outcomes from a fundamentally unpredictable environment, then act shocked when the system behaves like… a complex system.
#DoD #Acquisition #NatSec #Complexity
Acquisitions, planning, and running the DoD aren’t “broken” — they’re complex.
We keep demanding predictable outcomes from a fundamentally unpredictable environment, then act shocked when the system behaves like… a complex system.
#DoD #Acquisition #NatSec #Complexity
December 4, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Reform isn’t magic.
Acquisitions, planning, and running the DoD aren’t “broken” — they’re complex.
We keep demanding predictable outcomes from a fundamentally unpredictable environment, then act shocked when the system behaves like… a complex system.
#DoD #Acquisition #NatSec #Complexity
Acquisitions, planning, and running the DoD aren’t “broken” — they’re complex.
We keep demanding predictable outcomes from a fundamentally unpredictable environment, then act shocked when the system behaves like… a complex system.
#DoD #Acquisition #NatSec #Complexity
We say we want speed, innovation, and “transformation.”
But half the time, the DoD isn’t solving problems — it’s perfecting the ritual of looking like it is.
Read it here:
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/when-the-p...
#DoD #Acquisition #Strategy #Leadership #PPBE #JCIDS #MissionCommand
But half the time, the DoD isn’t solving problems — it’s perfecting the ritual of looking like it is.
Read it here:
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/when-the-p...
#DoD #Acquisition #Strategy #Leadership #PPBE #JCIDS #MissionCommand
When the Process Becomes the Product
How we confuse templates, updates, and synchronized briefs for actual decision-making.
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:41 PM
We say we want speed, innovation, and “transformation.”
But half the time, the DoD isn’t solving problems — it’s perfecting the ritual of looking like it is.
Read it here:
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/when-the-p...
#DoD #Acquisition #Strategy #Leadership #PPBE #JCIDS #MissionCommand
But half the time, the DoD isn’t solving problems — it’s perfecting the ritual of looking like it is.
Read it here:
doctrineanddisorder.substack.com/p/when-the-p...
#DoD #Acquisition #Strategy #Leadership #PPBE #JCIDS #MissionCommand
Wherever you are today - home, on duty, or somewhere between - thanks for everything you do to keep the force, the mission, and the system moving forward.
Wishing everyone a calm day, and at least one decision that doesn’t require a meeting.
#milTwitter #DoD #PentagonLife #DoctrineAndDisorder
Wishing everyone a calm day, and at least one decision that doesn’t require a meeting.
#milTwitter #DoD #PentagonLife #DoctrineAndDisorder
November 30, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Wherever you are today - home, on duty, or somewhere between - thanks for everything you do to keep the force, the mission, and the system moving forward.
Wishing everyone a calm day, and at least one decision that doesn’t require a meeting.
#milTwitter #DoD #PentagonLife #DoctrineAndDisorder
Wishing everyone a calm day, and at least one decision that doesn’t require a meeting.
#milTwitter #DoD #PentagonLife #DoctrineAndDisorder
We’re great at collecting “lessons.”
We’re terrible at figuring out which ones matter.
open.substack.com/pub/doctrine...
#Leadership #Military #DoD #Strategy #Acquisitions #LessonsLearned #DoctrineAndDisorder #DoD #milTwitter #strategy #lessonslearned
We’re terrible at figuring out which ones matter.
open.substack.com/pub/doctrine...
#Leadership #Military #DoD #Strategy #Acquisitions #LessonsLearned #DoctrineAndDisorder #DoD #milTwitter #strategy #lessonslearned
What Did We Think We Learned?
Why We Misread Wargames, Conflicts, and Every Video From Ukraine
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:24 PM
We’re great at collecting “lessons.”
We’re terrible at figuring out which ones matter.
open.substack.com/pub/doctrine...
#Leadership #Military #DoD #Strategy #Acquisitions #LessonsLearned #DoctrineAndDisorder #DoD #milTwitter #strategy #lessonslearned
We’re terrible at figuring out which ones matter.
open.substack.com/pub/doctrine...
#Leadership #Military #DoD #Strategy #Acquisitions #LessonsLearned #DoctrineAndDisorder #DoD #milTwitter #strategy #lessonslearned
The Emerald Dome: Oz’s Most Expensive Way to Not Stop a Witch
substack.com/@doctrineand...
#EmeraldDome #DoctrineAndDisorder #AcquisitionHumor #DefenseTech #MilitaryHumor #PentagonProblems #ProgramManagement #BudgetBoondoggle #OversightFailure #WickedThreats #DefenseAcquisition
substack.com/@doctrineand...
#EmeraldDome #DoctrineAndDisorder #AcquisitionHumor #DefenseTech #MilitaryHumor #PentagonProblems #ProgramManagement #BudgetBoondoggle #OversightFailure #WickedThreats #DefenseAcquisition
The Emerald Dome: Oz’s Most Expensive Way to Not Stop a Witch
Oz didn’t need missile defense—it needed adult supervision
substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:37 AM
The Emerald Dome: Oz’s Most Expensive Way to Not Stop a Witch
substack.com/@doctrineand...
#EmeraldDome #DoctrineAndDisorder #AcquisitionHumor #DefenseTech #MilitaryHumor #PentagonProblems #ProgramManagement #BudgetBoondoggle #OversightFailure #WickedThreats #DefenseAcquisition
substack.com/@doctrineand...
#EmeraldDome #DoctrineAndDisorder #AcquisitionHumor #DefenseTech #MilitaryHumor #PentagonProblems #ProgramManagement #BudgetBoondoggle #OversightFailure #WickedThreats #DefenseAcquisition
Every time the Pentagon says “we need to go faster,” what they mean is:
“We have no idea what we want, but we’d like it sooner.”
Speed isn’t our problem.
Indecision is.
Process just makes it look professional.
#NatSec #DoD #Acquisition #Pentagon #DefenseReform #MilitaryStrategy #DefensePolicy
“We have no idea what we want, but we’d like it sooner.”
Speed isn’t our problem.
Indecision is.
Process just makes it look professional.
#NatSec #DoD #Acquisition #Pentagon #DefenseReform #MilitaryStrategy #DefensePolicy
November 21, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Every time the Pentagon says “we need to go faster,” what they mean is:
“We have no idea what we want, but we’d like it sooner.”
Speed isn’t our problem.
Indecision is.
Process just makes it look professional.
#NatSec #DoD #Acquisition #Pentagon #DefenseReform #MilitaryStrategy #DefensePolicy
“We have no idea what we want, but we’d like it sooner.”
Speed isn’t our problem.
Indecision is.
Process just makes it look professional.
#NatSec #DoD #Acquisition #Pentagon #DefenseReform #MilitaryStrategy #DefensePolicy
The U.S. military has declared so many “#1 priorities” that we’ve basically reinvented astrology. Every program is a Leo.
#NatSec #Military #Defense #Acquisitions #Pentagon #DoD #MilTwitter #Army #Navy #AirForce #SpaceForce #Innovation #DoctrineAndDisorder
#NatSec #Military #Defense #Acquisitions #Pentagon #DoD #MilTwitter #Army #Navy #AirForce #SpaceForce #Innovation #DoctrineAndDisorder
November 20, 2025 at 1:54 AM
The U.S. military has declared so many “#1 priorities” that we’ve basically reinvented astrology. Every program is a Leo.
#NatSec #Military #Defense #Acquisitions #Pentagon #DoD #MilTwitter #Army #Navy #AirForce #SpaceForce #Innovation #DoctrineAndDisorder
#NatSec #Military #Defense #Acquisitions #Pentagon #DoD #MilTwitter #Army #Navy #AirForce #SpaceForce #Innovation #DoctrineAndDisorder
“What are we doing to go faster?”
A question asked in every briefing — even though no one agrees on what “faster” actually means.
🔗 substack.com/@doctrineand...
#Military #DoD #Strategy #DefenseReform
A question asked in every briefing — even though no one agrees on what “faster” actually means.
🔗 substack.com/@doctrineand...
#Military #DoD #Strategy #DefenseReform
Are We Really Too Slow? The Pentagon’s Favorite Myth
Why the Pentagon Keeps Asking for Speed Without Knowing What Fast Is
substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:41 PM
“What are we doing to go faster?”
A question asked in every briefing — even though no one agrees on what “faster” actually means.
🔗 substack.com/@doctrineand...
#Military #DoD #Strategy #DefenseReform
A question asked in every briefing — even though no one agrees on what “faster” actually means.
🔗 substack.com/@doctrineand...
#Military #DoD #Strategy #DefenseReform