Service Rivalry Overshadowed
Abstract
This article proposes that although service rivalry will-and should-continue, it will be less significant in the future. New senior resource competitors, integrative technologies, and integrative decision points at the joint planning level will create a multidimensional conflict matrix with governing influence over national military strategy and congruent supporting force structure. Momentum is building to prioritize service functions according to their contribution to joint warfare assessment capabilities rather than by service preference or essence. We are entering a McNamara-like era of conflict; however, in this era the determination of service functions that will prosper or decline is in the hands, or minds, of senior, joint military officers-not the dreaded whiz kids. The opportunity now exists for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) to be the most influential strategy and future force structure advisor to the secretary of defense. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to ask whether one can find officers with the experience, knowledge, and perspective to intellectually advise and decide on the very best joint force structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA529858
Entities
People
- William E. Turcotte
Organizations
- Air University