Supporting the CINCs (Commander-in-Chiefs): The Role of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986
Abstract
Since the passage of the National Security Act of 1947, Congress has tried to correct the recurring problem of fractured command authority and poor cooperation between the services. Changes in 1958 and the recent Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 have strengthened the unity of the armed forces, and their ability to conduct joint operations. Inherent in the ability to conduct joint operations is the requirement for the services to provided the unified commanders the forces, equipment, and doctrine needed to conduct effective warfare. Because of service parochialism and budget battles, needed resources are not always available to support the unified commanders operational plans. One of the major provisions of the Goldwater-Nichols Act was to increase the Commanders-in-Chief' input into the budgeting and force generation process. The purpose of this monograph is to examine the implementation of the Defense Reorganization Act, and see if it has improved the ability of the CINCs to conduct operational warfare. After extensive assessment, the author has determined that the provisions of the Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Act of 1986, has significantly improved the ability of the CINCs to conduct warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 28, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215796
Entities
People
- Thomas R. Goedkoop
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College