Journal Assignment

Concepts and Theories Learned in L103, L104, and L105

Lessons I03, 104, and 105 are essentially centered on creative & critical thinking and
problem-solving concepts and tools, logic and decision-making, and the framework/model of the
operations process in the Army. Specifically, L103 focuses on the benefits of critical thinking in
the Army, especially for army commanders, the thought elements and levels, essential
intellectual traits, universal intellectual standards, problem-solving, the process of assessing and
analyzing research, stages of critical thinking development, issues of socio-centric and
egocentric thinking, how to envision critical societies, and the human mind. An SMC-DL
graduate can learn multiple creative and critical thinking concepts from L103. For example, one
lesson is that critical thinking is the art of evaluating and analyzing thoughts or thinking to
improve them. Good thinkers raise vital issues and questions, gather and assess relevant
data/information, come to well-reasoned solutions and conclusions, think open-mindedly and
exploit alternative thoughts, and communicate effectively. L103 also stipulates the foundations
of army leadership intellect, including mental agility, sound judgment, innovation, interpersonal
tact, and expertise (Paul & Elder, 2014).
On the other hand, L104 focuses on creative thinking and logic in decision-making in the
Army. Specifically, I have learned a new approach to creative thinking that centers on
investigating ideas, coming up with possibilities and alternatives, and searching for different
right answers instead of just one. Creative thinking is applied in higher learning levels, while
critical thinking is applied in formal education settings. Creative thinking methods include
evolution, synthesis, revolution, reapplication, and changing direction (Sergeants Major
Academy, n.d.). L104 also discusses the different logic fallacies and their application in

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decision-making in the Army. It emphasizes how combining reasoning skills (analogies,
deduction, and induction) with a clear knowledge of fallacies (Hasty generalizations, the fallacy
of oversimplification, false analogy, slanted language, among others) can essentially boost a
leader’s skills at speaking, listening, writing, reading, and thinking. Finally, L105 describes the
Army’s operations process: planning, preparing, executing, and endlessly assessing the
operations or actions (Department of the Army, 2019).
How a Graduate of the SMC-DL Would Assess an Organization and Apply the Concepts of

Creative Thinking

An SMC-DL student would assess or evaluate an organization through three main
activities: monitoring the current state of affairs to gather pertinent information,
evaluating/appraising progress the organization is making toward achieving end-state conditions
or objectives, and directing and recommending action for improvement (Department of the
Army, 2019). The student can apply the concepts of creative thinking in all three steps. For
example, the student can apply idea exploration, possibility generation, and search for alternative
solutions to recommend the best action.
How a Sergeant Major can Benefit by Incorporating Critical and Creative Thinking
Concepts to Come Up with Creative Ideas During the Assessment Process
A Sergeant Major can benefit in so many ways by leveraging critical and creative
thinking concepts during the assessment process. These concepts can ensure the information
gathered and the final actions/solutions recommended are accurate, precise, relevant, in-depth,
logical, significant, and fair (Paul & Elder, 2014).

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References

Department of the Army. (2019, July). ADP 5-0: The operations process. Washington, DC:
Headquarters Department of the Army.
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The miniature guide to Critical thinking concepts & tools (7 th ed.).
The Foundation for Critical Thinking.
Sergeants Major Academy. (n.d.). ADP 6-22: Intellect. Department of Command Leadership
L100: Foundational Leadership Concepts Lesson Plan for L104, 1-3.