Transforming the National Security Council: Interagency Authority, Organization, Doctrine
Abstract
Complex and agile threats in today's international security environment can no longer be defeated through the unilateral application of a single element of national power. Whereas superior military strength may have been sufficient to deter, dissuade, and defeat state adversaries in the past, contemporary challenges to a stable international environment require the coordinated synergy of America's national security apparatus. Enabled through the National Security Act of 1947, the National Security Council (NSC) is the primary organization entrusted with the responsibility of interagency coordination. Subject to Presidential preference and administration turnover, the utilization of the National Security Advisor and structure of his/her Council Staff in managing interagency responsibilities are subject to change and varying degrees of authority and organization. To establish a deliberate, effective, and efficient interagency process, the NSC must be empowered with lasting authority to develop adept interagency coordinators and orchestrate interagency doctrine. Implementing "universal" doctrine, the NSC must lead Executive Branch agencies/departments in developing personnel capable of representing their organizations in planning and executing joint-interagency operations. Transforming the NSC will provide an organization closely attuned to the President's direction in leveraging multiple elements of national power against threats in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous global security environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA467251
Entities
People
- Clay O. Runzi
Organizations
- United States Army War College