How Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld Sought to Assert Civilian Control Over the Military

Abstract

Donald H. Rumsfeld was sworn in on January 20 as Secretary of Defense for an administration whose campaign pledge was "Help is on the way." It soon became clear that this "help" included a new way of doing things at the Pentagon, as Rumsfeld began a difficult and controversial strategic review designed to transform the military. This paper explores how Rumsfeld sought to assert civilian control over the military, beginning with the review. Various methods of control were employed, some of which caused difficulties with the military and Congress, two key actors in national defense matters. In the long run, Rumsfeld's style of civilian control-or at least the one most likely to be successful with the military and Congress-will be a corporate model that instills sound business practices at the Pentagon. This is shaped by Rumsfeld's extensive experience in the government and, in particular, the private sector.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA442491

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey M. Borns

Organizations

  • National War College

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  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
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DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Air Force
  • Congress
  • Defense Planning
  • Department Of Defense
  • Executives
  • Force Structure
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Procurement
  • Security
  • Universities
  • War Colleges

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