McNamara vs. the JCS Vietnam's Operation ROLLING THUNDER: A Failure in Civil-Military Relations
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between Robert S. McNamara, the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), and General Earl Wheeler, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) - and, by proxy, the JCS - during Operation ROLLING THUNDER, the bombing campaign in Vietnam. The paper focuses primarily on the period between 1964 and 1968. It traces McNamara's journey from president at Ford Motor Company to Secretary of Defense, as well as how Wheeler came to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It defines Operation ROLLING THUNDER and its phases, and follows with an examination of the relationship between McNamara and the JCS - and its ultimate failure. This failure in civil-military relations led not only to confusion and indecision in the cabinet, but to dissent among the nations top military and civilian leaders in the most appropriate way to prosecute the campaign in Vietnam. Ultimately McNamara and the JCS would find themselves pitted against one another on the floor of the Senate Armed Services Committee - the body who would finally adjudicate their differences. The paper concludes with an examination of three major issues - failure of civil-military relations, loyalty, and strategic viability - and offers the subject matter as a vehicle for self-examination and study by the strategic leader.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378210
Entities
People
- George H. Rhynedance Iv
Organizations
- United States Army War College