Aligning the Mountain and the Molehill: How the Combatant Commander Coordinates his Theater Security Cooperation Plan with the State Department
Abstract
This paper focuses on the means by which geographic combatant commanders coordinate theater security cooperation initiatives with the State Department. This issue clearly deserves attention, particularly as combatant commanders often provide the most visible face of American power in many regions of the world today. Although there is a well-defined procedure for coordinating the combatant commander's Theater Security Cooperation Plan (TSCP) within the Department of Defense, the process of interagency coordination for this critical plan lacks the same clarity. In this regard, the combatant commander must overcome numerous obstacles that prevent him from coordinating with the State Department in an effective manner. While some observers turn to long-term, overarching institutional reforms of the National Security Community as the solution, this paper recommends that combatant commanders focus instead upon initiatives they can implement now with resources currently at hand. These initiatives include establishing standing Interagency Operations Centers, strengthening the Political Advisor's authority and providing increased support to educational exchanges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA464326
Entities
People
- Lisa C. Vining
Organizations
- Naval War College