During a presentation at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC), Oct. 27, Gen. David G. Perkins, commander, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, urged students to think at a higher level and focus on capabilities, rather than equipment.

Perkins addressed students, faculty and staff at the school and stressed the need to win in a complex world.

"Winning is better accomplished when the focus is on capabilities and not necessarily acquiring assets," he said. "You've got to start thinking seriously about what does the future really mean with regards to the big picture and capabilities. We must focus on building capabilities instead of buying things."

According to Perkins, the world is unknown, unknowable and constantly changing and the military must be ready for an enemy that is also adapting.

"We drive [the enemy] to change and avoid our strengths," the general said. "For example, they know that we are very good are targeting them, so they change to avoid our strengths. They go underground. If we present just one problem for them, they will eventually compensate for that."

Perkins also told the NWC audience that he is working to build a culture of professionalism in the Army for everyone.

"We made the conscious decision that once you raise your right arm and swear an allegiance to the Constitution, whether you are civilian, enlisted or officer, you are a member of the profession," he said. "Everyone is held to the standard of being a professional, and the expectations increase as you rise through the ranks.

For more news from the Naval War College, visit http://www.navy.mil/.