Building Civilian Interagency Capacity for Missions Abroad: Key Proposals and Issues for Congress
Abstract
Within the past two decades, prominent foreign policy organizations and foreign policy experts have perceived serious deficiencies in the authorities, organizations, and personnel used to conduct interagency missions that prevent the United States from exercising its power to full advantage. For the 112th Congress, proposals to address these problems may be of interest for their perceived potential not only to enhance performance, but also to save money by streamlining processes, encouraging interagency cooperation, and reducing duplication. These proposals also provide context for current legislation, including the Interagency Personnel Rotation Act of 2011, the Global Security Contingency Fund contained in the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), as well as in the House's FY2012 Foreign Relations Authorization Act. The FY2012 NDAA requires the President to submit to Congress a "whole-of-government" implementation plan. This report draws on over three dozen studies with recommendations to improve the current national security system. The studies surveyed include three prepared by the Project on National Security Reform, with comprehensive recommendations, four prepared or co-sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and two by RAND in conjunction with the American Academy of Diplomats, as well as reports by the Council on Foreign Relations, the Defense Science Board, the National Defense University, and others. This report draws from these studies, as well as a few articles, for recommendations to improve strategy-making, planning, and budgeting; to improve institutional authorities, structures and arrangements; and, to create interagency personnel policies and mechanisms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 23, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA584260
Entities
People
- Catherine Dale
- Nina M. Serafino
- Pat Towell
Organizations
- Library of Congress