Glass Ceiling - A Question of Joint Officer Development - Why Only Five USAF Geographic Combatant Commanders

摘要

Since Goldwater-Nichols increased the significance of the Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) Commanders, these positions have evolved into the premier commands within the U.S. military. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the disparity in the GCC Commander appointments by using the USAF as a case study to determine if a more comprehensive, deliberate developmental plan could produce more joint leaders poised to lead at the highest levels. The topic will be approached through five phases that progress from the desired qualities of joint leaders to the key legislation that governs joint officer development. The third and fourth phases will review the significance of these commands and use the USAF to examine reasons. The final phase is a recommendation to improve the development of leaders with the credibility and capability to lead the joint force. This methodology includes addressing cultural issues, institutionalizing a comprehensive development strategy, and purposefully managing joint experiences to allow establishment of credibility from direct interaction with those who influence combatant command selection.