In his article Critical Thinking for the Military Professional, Colonel W.

Michael Guillot argues that critical thinking is the most important trait a military leader can possess. Not confidence. Not foresight. Not trust, strength, or even loyalty. Guillot believes that, in order to be an effective leader, one must first develop the skills necessary to become a critical thinker. Although these skills can and should be developed individually, they are not genetic, nor do they come naturally. But critical thinking does not mean being a critic, Guillot argues. Instead, critical thinkers are constantly aware of what they are thinking, ultimately for the purpose of becoming better thinkers. Because of his vast military qualifications and experience, Guillot knows what the proper path to achieving critical thinking entails. In the remaining part of his argument, he lays out a strategy for becoming a critical thinker. This strategy involves learning and putting into practice the eight elements of reasoning based on a model originally conceived by Dr. Richard Paul. Guillot acknowledges the long process critical thinking involves, but once this process is finally learned and implemented, the thinker will have attained the greatest skill any strategic leader can acquire. Guillot meticulously sets forth his arguments, using support from other leading thinkers on the subject to enhance his views. His plan for becoming a critical thinker is a seemingly simple process, due to his clear, precise wording and the straightforward structure of the essay. Even the verbs Guillot employs effectively communicate his thoughts in an uncomplicated manner. For instance, in the majority of the article, he uses one-word verbs to describe the critical thinking process: study, question, evaluate, ask, use, practice. Because Guillots argument is articulated clearly, the reader has little

trouble following his line of reasoning, thus being able to grasp and adhere to the concepts set forth. Throughout the piece, Guillot makes the claim that no military leader can be effective without using critical thinking skills. How can a leader solve even the simplest of problems when he cannot employ the critical thinking method to make proper decisions? The ideal leader, Guillot argues, takes everything he has learnedthe concepts, the research, the answers to the questionsand evaluates the evidence to make an informed decision. But experience alone is not enough. The leader must also be open to new ideas. He must be willing to acknowledge the fact that his plans may not always be best. As Guillot wisely states, other points of view are not necessarily threats. Instead, they are experiences to learn from. By showcasing a selfless attitude toward others opinions, the leader shows he is open and willing to new concepts and is not afraid to admit when he is in the wrong. One of Guillots most interesting points comes at the end of his essay under the sub-heading Engaging Non-Critical Thinkers. Why is the issue of critical thinking so often hindered by cultural divides? Its not a topic many American leaders tend to think about. Yet because other nations cultures play a major role in military strategy, it is imperative that American strategic leaders realize the differences between their culture and that of those living in foreign countries. Ultimately, according to Guillot, the lack of effective leaders in many cultures results from an absence of critically thinking leaders. For whatever purpose, such leaders are more attracted to violence and power than reason. But Guillot is not content to sit back and watch evil overcome rationality. He offers solutions to this, and every other problem discussed in the article. Although the author is

careful to avoid any suggestion of forcing an Americanized culture on any foreign society, he does offer practical advice to fledgling nations. By starting with a change in the countrys education system, a farther-reaching change will, in turn, affect the entire nation. Guillot also suggests using technology as a tool that could possibly infiltrate countries systems to affect a transformation for the better. Even though the declines of other countries logic can be depressing, the conclusions the author ultimately make remain hopeful, even optimistic. But how is one to achieve successful results in a society where nihilism so often pervades over robust thinking? Guillot acknowledges this reality. But he also looks past that fact to see hope in the future. Yes, becoming a truly critical thinker involves an often grueling multi-step process. It requires the thinker to be on guard at all times, analyzing his thoughts to see if they are in line with what they ought to be. Nor may it incite complete and immediate change at first. But when it is adopted and eventually implemented, the critical thinking process will be the first step from which all subsequent successes stem.