Period covered: 3AUG98 to 30JUN99
Prof. Barnett arrived in the Decision Support Department (DSD) in August 1998, accompanied by very high expectations based upon his impressive record of publishing and consulting on a wide range of issues. As high as our expectations were, he has exceeded them, demonstrating exceptional talent across the entire range of skills required in the DSD: conceptualizing approaches to complex problems, designing multi-staged research programs, identifying and exploiting electronic and printed sources, collaborating with experts in diverse fields, designing and facilitating decision events, drawing insights and conclusions from data, and presenting results as live briefs, electronic documents, and printed reports. He quickly grasped the potential of computer-based decision support tools and integrated them effectively into his research. Tasked shortly after his arrival with directing the Year 2000 International Security Dimension Project, a complex challenge, he quickly developed, then continued to refine, an analytical framework and research methodology that has yielded powerful insights and influenced decision makers and intelligence analysts at the national and theater levels. He created a multi-media briefing format that is both effective in communicating ideas and highly engaging, and he has conducted workshops in PowerPoint that substantially upgraded the skills of his colleagues. This combination of outstanding substance and riveting presentation has resulted in numerous invitations to present his findings before decision makers throughout the national security community, as well as private audiences from key sectors of the economy. His work has also attracted media attention. This exposure has not only enhanced the reputation of the Naval War College but has provided Prof. Barnett opportunities to continue updating his data base by exchanging ideas with knowledgeable interlocutors. He broke new ground for the College by pioneering the use of websites to prepare participants for workshops and disseminate results. His writing skills are considerable, as exemplified by his publication of an article in Proceedings and his completion of a well-organized, highly readable report on the Y2K project. His relations with colleagues are positive, and his sense of humor has enlivened many a staff meeting. In recognition of his outstanding performance, I have recommended Prof. Barnett for a qualitative step increases. His formidable array of talents, and success in applying them, constitute a unique resource which the College should do all it can to nurture and retain.
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