ADRP 5-0 defines critical thinking as:
"Purposeful and reflective judgment about what to believe or do in response to observations, experiences, verbal and written expressions, arguments, or any other kind of information."
In essence, critical thinking in the context of the Army's operations process means:
* Purposeful: Having a clear objective in mind.
* Reflective: Carefully considering the information, weighing different perspectives, and examining assumptions.
* Judgment: Making decisions based on the analysis of information.
Critical thinking is essential for effective decision-making in military operations because it allows commanders and staff to:
* Understand the situation: Analyze information from various sources to form a clear picture of the battlefield.
* Identify problems and opportunities: Recognize potential threats, challenges, and advantages.
* Develop solutions: Create effective courses of action to achieve mission objectives.
* Evaluate outcomes: Assess the results of actions and make adjustments as needed.
ADRP 5-0 emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking skills throughout the Army, from individual soldiers to senior leaders.