The Chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 1949-2016
Abstract
The position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) dates from 1949. While its roots trace to the experience of directing the United States participation in World War II, the impetus for its creation derived from the problems encountered in attempting to create a unified defense organization after the war. In the sixty-seven years since the swearing in of General Omar N. Bradley as the first Chairman on 16 August 1949, nineteen officers have served in the position. Their influence and authority varied widely. Although General Bradley had limited statutory authority, he had considerable power because both Presidents whom he served valued his advice. Until the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense (DOD) Reorganization Act in October 1986, Bradley's successors, too, found that their actual power derived more from their relationships with the nation's civilian leadership than from their legal authorities. The Goldwater-Nichols Act gave the Chairman far greater power than even the most influential Chairmen had previously exercised. However, in practice, the use of that authority continued to depend upon the Chairman's personality, his concept of his role, and his relationships with the President and Secretary of Defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1021305
Entities
People
- Nathan S. Lowrey
Organizations
- Joint Chiefs of Staff