Unified Command System. Remarks by Major General Albin Wheeler at AUSA Winter Defense Symposium

摘要

This briefing by Maj General Albin Wheeler gives the history of the Unified Commands and the major elements of the structure. The modern Unified Command Structure dates from the National Security Act of 1947 and from amendments passed in 1958. The structure envolved to bring the efforts of the combatant forces of each of the four military services into closer integration. There is a discussion of the seven Unified Commands the European, Central, Southern, Atlantic, Pacific Commands the Readiness Command and the Space Command. Peacetime responsibilities of the CINCS are outlined, and requirements and assignments of forces are reviewed. Planning, programming and budgeting for the commands is discussed by reviewing the CINCS relationship to the JCS, the Secretary of Defense, the defense resources Board and the Joint Requirements Management Board. Finally MG Wheeler discusses crisis management and the chain of command -- touching upon rapid and reliable communications and responsiveness to political direction from the top. Copies of briefing slides are included.