Quote Originally Posted by marct View Post
On our first point, there is the problem of replication units within the organization.... So, what are the patterns and replication units? I think a good case could be made that in a military organization, one way of defining the replication units would be TTPs (Tactics, Techniques & Procedures).... You would also have to define the organism boundary - and that will be a nightmare given how personnel float back and forth between them. You will probably end up having to define it at the unit level.
Yes, if one wanted to develop notions of "cultural evolution" these would be things that would have to be addressed -- replicators, unit individuals, etc. But with respect to features that promote adaptability, one can black-box the question of replicators and say, whatever form they may take, here are the systemic traits needed to promote their ability to adapt. I think there may be some clear sailing along that line of thought (famous last words...).

Bob