A Security Nexus paper, “Enabling Lethality: The Non-Warfighter’s Role in Strengthening U.S. Military Effectiveness,” by Dr. Lumpy Lumbaca, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, examines how civilian and support personnel within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) can contribute to Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth’s renewed emphasis on military lethality.

The paper highlights the critical role of non-warfighters—including resource managers, logisticians, academics, economists, and cybersecurity professionals—in optimizing processes, streamlining decision-making, and supporting operational forces. It emphasizes that lethality is not solely about combat but also about strategy, logistics, innovation, and partnerships.

For DOD academics and thought leaders, the paper underscores the importance of connecting military theory with practical applications, fostering collaboration, and addressing emerging security challenges. By aligning their expertise with the needs of warfighters, non-warfighters play a vital role in enhancing U.S. military readiness and effectiveness.

Read the full article here.