[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# ‘Thinking About Thinking’: Soldiers Have a Better Way to Solve Problems

## Details

**Authors** Schwandt & Ryan

**Year** 2018

**Publisher** ARMY Magazine

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Military

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](https://www.ausa.org/articles/%E2%80%98thinking-about-thinking%E2%80%99-soldiers-have-better-way-solve-problems)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

[No printed abstract; opening returned in summary form with embedded verbatim quotations.] The article introduces Systems Thinking v2.0, 'a new field of systems thinking' with 'the potential to transform the U.S. Army,' which the authors propose could 'create emergent and adaptive leaders' by valuing creative and critical thinkers, ultimately establishing 'a metacognitive force.' Systems Thinking v2.0 is 'predicated on new discoveries and ideas' centered on four simple rules known as DSRP. 'Systems thinking is the emergent property of four simple rules': Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives. 'The four rules of DSRP are a simple cognitive algorithm' for understanding how humans think systemically about problems. Derek Cabrera, cited in the piece, notes these represent 'four underlying patterns of metacognition universal to systemic thinking: making distinctions, organizing part/whole systems, recognizing relationships and taking perspectives.'

### What they set out to do (purpose)

An ARMY Magazine article introducing Systems Thinking v2.0 — DSRP's four rules as a simple cognitive algorithm — and arguing the Army could use it to build a metacognitive force.

### What they found (results)

Systems thinking is the emergent property of four simple rules — Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, Perspectives — and training soldiers in them could create emergent, adaptive leaders.

## Commentary

### In short

Two US Army majors report using DSRP and visual mapping to run a functional analysis and reorganize NATO's Resolute Support headquarters in Afghanistan mid-operation, and argue for folding DSRP into Mission Command and the Military Decision Making Process. West Point already teaches the approach in systems engineering.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Schwandt & Ryan (2018). ‘Thinking About Thinking’: Soldiers Have a Better Way to Solve Problems. ARMY Magazine.