As the United States Army prepares for the 21st Century, few things are as certain as the tremendous influence that emerging technologies will have on military capability. The purpose of this monograph is to establish how you reconcile technological expertise with military genius. To resolve this question, the monograph begins by examining definitions and theories for genius, expertise, technology and innovation. This includes an investigation of the effects of technology on the battlefield, and a redefinition of tactical innovation. Next, the 'directed telescope' innovations of Field Marshal Montgomery and General George S Patton Jr. are analyzed. A comparative analysis examines the Army Battle Command System and the directed telescope. Finally, synthesis is achieved through formulation of a theoretical model that casts light on the innovative process of the battle commander in combat. 'The Battlefield 500' model parallels the battle commander in combat, exploiting opportunity through innovation. This monograph suggests that reconciliation of expertise and genius occurs as part of the battle commander's innovative process. To leverage technology, the battle commander must combine his military genius with technological expertise to become an innovator --a modern age genius.

ADA 293499 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)