Joint Strategic Survey Committee: A Concept Whose Time May Have Come Again

摘要

This special report notes those characteristics of the Joint Chiefs of Staff which critics have stated are the key driving factors behind their calls for reform. Key among those characteristics is the apparent inability of the JCS to render sound relevant military advice to the National Command Authority. The author contends that during World War II and for a short period of time thereafter, the JCS was highly regarded for its advice on military strategy and affairs. The principal council which provided a counterbalance to the advice generated from the Services was the Joint Strategic Survey Committee (JSSC). The author then traces the gradual decline of the JSSC and the concurrent growth of the Joint Strategic Plans Committee, which, under subsequent reorganization became known as the J5. The author asserts that with the current legislative mood, coupled with the stated desires of General Jones (Chairman, JCS) and General Meyer (Chief of Staff, Army) to reorganize the JCS, a relook at the JSSC is in order. The author also believes that a rebirth of the JSSC would permit sound professional military advice to be rendered to the President, military advice that would be predicated on the capabilities and the needs of the nation and its joint military forces, not on Service bias or perceived requirements.