Strategic Alignment at Speed: Modernizing NSW's Capability Development through Digital Transformation

Abstract

This capstone investigates how Naval Special Warfare (NSW) can modernize its capability development process by integrating digital tools and mission engineering principles, with a specific focus on improving Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTmLPF-P) analysis. Through structured interviews, stakeholder engagement, and a culminating design workshop, this research identified the current process of DOTmLPF-P analysis to be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lacking analytical transparency. The project proposes a digital decision-support tool tailored to NSW’s operational context to accelerate capability assessments, improve traceability, and align resource decisions with mission outcomes. The capstone also recommends a broader shift from the traditional “Acquisition Kill Chain” toward a more agile “Acquisition Kill Web” model, enhancing adaptability in dynamic threat environments. By aligning innovation, strategy, and operational relevance, this research offers a roadmap for NSW and similar organizations seeking to institutionalize digital transformation in capability development. It concludes by outlining a flexible, iterative research agenda for future stakeholders to build on this foundation.