Comprehensive Action: A Whole of Government Solution to Fighting Transnational Terrorism
Abstract
This study explains a better way for the US government (USG) to organize to fight terrorism. Any strategic or operational success in a long war on terrorism depends on a campaign coordinated with, and complementary to, symbiotic efforts within the Department of Defense (DoD) and across the other government agencies. Only through global interagency unity of command and unity of effort will the USG provide a holistic solution to defend against terrorism. Current USG agencies lack the ability to exercise unity of command and unity of effort. Cultural barriers prevent departments and agencies from working synergistically and a lack of common planning perspectives and doctrine further exacerbate government dysfunctionality. Additionally, the process does not provide incentives nor prepares participants to work with other agencies or departments. Power, position, influence, and survival instincts all drive government agencies toward inefficient and sometimes irrational behavior. Finally, decisions and negotiations made at the time government agencies were formed influence the current system that persist today.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1019161
Entities
People
- John E. Baquet
Organizations
- Air War College