The JCS System before and after Goldwater-Nichols
Abstract
The success of military actions undertaken by the U.S. after World War II has been questioned. The organization of the military's national level decision-making apparatus was cited as a major reason for the less-than- spectacular performance in Vietnam, Iran, etc. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), a committee where each member has had equal influence and authority, resolved issues by establishing a consensus of opinions, and made decisions that were acceptable to all members and their respective services, but not necessarily in the best interests of the national defense overall. The events that led to, and the passage of, the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 have caused a change in the way the military does its business. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of the combatant commands now have more of the authority and responsibility they need to properly guide the military without having to satisfy all of the services. However, it is not the Act alone that has caused this change. It has legitimized the influence, but a large part of the change is also due to the personalities and capabilities of the key players.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA236888
Entities
People
- Thomas T. Lopresti
Organizations
- United States Army War College