Country Team--The Critical Interface between the Department of State and theDepartment of Defense

摘要

The United States of America is a world power. It can and should influence theworld of nations to act responsibly. Moving into the next century and setting the foundation of the president's New World order, the US must ensure the employment its most effective instruments of peace. Only by assessing our past performance, retooling and adjusting our instruments of peace, and moving forward to new levels of performance can we achieve this goal. In the government, two executive departments are primary conduits of influence in foreign policy: State and Defense. At both the US domestic level and their critical conjunction at the host-country level, too little attention is given to the important interface between them. This study contains an analysis of existing relationships, possible problem areas, and, at the operational level, differing viewpoints between State and Defense personnel. A review of varied capabilities is provided, and differences in focus, missions, and goals are explored. Methodologies are provided to reduce or preclude conflicts and to take advantage of strong, well-established Department of Defense and Department of State team efforts. This practical, common sense document guides the formation and maintenance of these relationships.