Copy, Innovate, Excel: Redefining How We Train for Great Power Competition
The mind resembles the moon in the water; The form is like the shadow in the mirror. - Yagyu Tajima no Kami Munenori, Shikage Sword Master (1571-1646)
In the annals of martial history, few tales are as enchanting and captivating as that of the Shinkage samurai of sixteenth-century Japan. It was an era when the art of war underwent a remarkable transformation, and the Shinkage technique emerged as a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the beauty of human intellect.
Imagine, if you will, a duel between two skilled swordsmen, each possessing a deep understanding of the intricate dance of combat. But unlike his counterpart, the Shinkage samurai had a secret weapon: the ability to mirror his adversary's every movement. This was no mere mimicry; it was an intricate dance of strategy and cunning, where the Shinkage warrior would synchronize his actions to those of his opponent, from the subtlest twitches to the most deliberate footsteps.
This uncanny ability to mirror the enemy's moves would leave the opponent in a state of utter confusion, his mind racing to decipher the Shinkage samurai's intentions. As the tension mounted, the adversary would find himself on the precipice of frustration, unable to predict or counter the Shinkage warrior's seemingly inscrutable actions.
And then, in a moment of impulsive desperation, the opponent would strike out, lowering his defenses in a vain attempt to break through the Shinkage samurai's impenetrable facade. This was precisely the moment the Shinkage warrior had been waiting for. With a swift and graceful maneuver, he would parry the attack and retaliate with a devastating counterblow.
It was through this ingenious strategy of mirroring that the Shinkage samurai could gain a profound understanding of his enemy's strategy and thought process. And in doing so, he would not only outwit his opponent but also achieve a level of mastery that transcended the mere physical realm of combat.
The tale of the Shinkage samurai is a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the beauty of the human intellect. It is a story that reminds us that sometimes, the key to success lies not in brute force, but in the power of replication and modeling. This idea finds a modern echo in a fascinating 2002 study from the Wharton School of Business on knowledge transfer. The study dives into how the nuances of replication are crucial for mastering new skills and transferring knowledge effectively within organizations.
“…sometimes, the key to success lies not in brute force, but in the power of replication and modeling.”
The research unpacks a critical insight: learning isn't about a single download of information. Instead, it’s a process of continual recreation. Think of it as a master chef’s recipe—it’s not enough to read it once. You need to replicate it again and again, perfecting each step until the dish is just right.
The Wharton study breaks this down into four stages:
In the early stages, it's like watching a cooking show—you get the gist, but the real learning starts when you roll up your sleeves in the kitchen. During the implementation phase, accuracy is everything. Much like the Shinkage samurai mirroring his opponent, the precise replication of steps is vital. This meticulous mirroring helps overcome barriers like skepticism about the source's reliability or the clarity of the instructions.
As you move to the ramp-up phase, it’s about refining your technique. Here, the study found that accurate replication continues to be crucial. This phase is where you start to see the importance of practice and repetition. It’s the difference between just following a recipe and starting to cook like a chef.
Finally, in the integration phase, you begin to innovate. But even here, the foundation laid by careful replication ensures that any modifications are built on solid ground. It’s the moment when the Shinkage warrior, having mirrored his opponent perfectly, makes his decisive, masterful move.
The study’s core message for leaders is clear: to foster real expertise, encourage your team to mimic before they modify. This disciplined approach ensures a solid understanding, making any future innovations more effective. Just as the Shinkage samurai turned mirroring into an art form, modern organizations can turn replication into a pathway to excellence.
“…to foster real expertise, encourage your team to mimic before they modify.”
This idea is further reinforced by world-class copywriter and internet marketer Sam Parr. Parr, the founder of the acclaimed newsletter The Hustle—which he built into a $20 million business in just two years—often talks about the concept of “Copy Work.” This technique, used by Benjamin Franklin to teach himself to write well, involves copying the work of world-class writers in your own handwriting. By so doing, you learn the texture, pattern, and habits of great writing.
Parr explains that this method mirrors how musicians learn to play: by replicating others’ songs before creating their own. It’s through this imitation that one internalizes the patterns of excellence. Benjamin Franklin himself used this method after his father criticized his writing. He found an “odd volume of the Spectator,” admired its style, and set out to imitate it. Over time, this practice helped him develop his own voice.
So, how do you become a great copywriter—or master any skill? Dedicate time each day to copying the work of admired masters. Spend 25-45 minutes copying out their work. As you do, you’ll absorb their art and style, laying the groundwork for your own innovations.
The power of mirroring, whether in the battlefield, the boardroom, or the writing desk, lies in the disciplined replication of excellence. By following the footsteps of those who’ve mastered their craft, you set the stage for your own mastery.
So, what does all of this mean for the Air Force and the training of the next generation of Airmen, especially as we pivot towards the era of Great Power Competition? The stakes have never been higher, and the need for swift, effective training is critical. The traditional approach of assigning new Airmen to their first unit, handing them CDC booklets, and giving them a year to complete these volumes is due for an overhaul.
Our existing method, while thorough and well-documented, is time-consuming and often detached from the practical challenges they'll face. What if we could condense this phase, integrating the principles of copy work, to fast-track their readiness?
Some units have already started this transformation with “Jump Start” programs, compressing the entire CDC portion of their upgrade training to just 14-31 days! This has allowed Airmen to maximize their training year on actual problem-solving and hands-on OJT. As an added bonus, Jump Start has yielded higher EOC test scores overall, averaging an astonishing 98%.
Implementing copy work into our training programs might just revolutionize how Airmen learn. By continuing to invest in mock hardware or software that simulates real-world issues, we can create dynamic learning environments. Here, Airmen would copy troubleshooting techniques and problem-solving recipes repeatedly, applying the 4-stages of knowledge transfer discussed above. This ensures they not only understand the processes but can also innovate and adapt these solutions to new challenges.
This approach mirrors the success of world class musical composers, Benjamin Franklin’s works, and the precision of the Shinkage samurai. It teaches Airmen to absorb and replicate proven methods before evolving their own techniques. By so doing, they build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, preparing them to face the unpredictable challenges of great power competition.
Leaders, is it time to rethink our training approach? Encourage your teams to implement copy work. Focus on immersive, hands-on training that they can repeat over, and over again in a controlled environment. By allowing your workforce to master the basics through replication, we set the stage for innovation and excellence. This isn’t just about faster training; it’s about smarter, more effective preparation for the challenges ahead.