The German General Staff System Revisited
Abstract
The staff competencies inherent to the German General S taff system were central to the system's effectiveness. Although the United States has consistently rejected the German system, the 1986 Defense Reorganization Act appears to be legislating acquisition of these competencies. This study seeks to examine the staff competencies inherent to the German General Staff. It also explores the historical progress of the Joint Chiefs of Staff system of managing national military security. What emerges is a United States system of managing which has proven less effective than expectations. The source of ineffectiveness is lack of inculcation of the staff competencies characteristic in German system, the study illustrates that acquisition of these staff competencies is not inconsistent with democratic constitutional government. Rejection to date has been an emotional response based on improper and incomplete understanding of the German civil-military experience. Planned acquisition of the competencies under the 1986 Act could further strengthen civil control Additionally, these staff competencies could eliminate some factors which, if left uncorrected, could ultimately lead to civil-military relations problems. Finally, military reform is the least complex and challenging of issues. The study will close with what generally is required in the way of political reform to make for a more complete solution to reform of national military security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA207264
Entities
People
- Thomas B. Cameron
Organizations
- United States Army War College