Soldiers and Legislators: A Common Mission
Abstract
Senior military leaders are becoming increasingly concerned about Congress' tendency to micromanage the military budget. Despite the massive amount of official correspondence between the Pentagon and the Congress, many officers lack an understanding of Congress' Constitutional responsibilities and complex pressures it faces. Military leaders must be willing to shed their naivete or their cynicism and learn how they differ from legislators. An examination of two military issues from the 1990 budget process helps explain these differences. The author conducted a series of interviews with professional staff members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, as well as with military congressional liaison officers to gain insights into the legislative process. The article concludes by recommending four guidelines for military officers when working with legislators: first, keep the military-political relationship in perspective; second, be open and frank in personal dealings with legislators; third, respect the legislative process; fourth, maintain a complementary relationship between Congress and the Defense Department by exchanging active and retired personnel. Legislators and soldiers share the responsibility to maintain the national defense.(sdw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA220700
Entities
People
- Robert R. Ivany
Organizations
- United States Army War College