Roles and Missions: Is it Time for Another Key West Agreement

摘要

The end of the Cold War has created a situation for the United States and itsmilitary forces that is analogous to the period following the end World War II (WW II). The defeat of an enemy and absence of a major threat to American interest, have once again resulted in a mandate to reassess the purpose and justify the cost of our nation's military, The turbulent years following WWII were marred by a lack of unity within the newly formed Department of Defense (DOD) and compounded the problems encountered by Congress, as it sought to reorganize and downsize the armed services. The majority of disagreements were caused by a basic lack of understanding of the historical roles and missions of the armed services and misguided efforts by the Army, Navy and Air Force to retain the prestige and power acquired during WW II. If we are to avoid making the same mistakes during our own downsizing period, we must study the past and formulate a vision for the military of the future that is supported by the entire DOD and capable of withstanding the scrutiny of a doubtful Congress. This study examines the uncertain and oft times ambiguous process by which our armed service's roles and missions have developed during our nation's 217 year history. It also analyzes the adequacy of the February, 1993, recommended changes to military roles and missions, proposed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and whether they are bold enough to buttress the DOD against mandated changes from the Congress. Furthermore, it makes recommendations concerning the need for a Key West type conference and what it should produce for the military of the future.