FOUR-STAR TRIGGER PULLERS: The Trend for, and Consequences of, Centralized Execution

摘要

Modern technology has conferred upon the U.S. military's strategic- level commanders an unprecedented capacity to scrutinize and personally control events at the tactical level from halfway around the globe. Notwithstanding military tradition and joint service doctrine aligned with the principles of centralized direction and decentralized execution, there is a surreptitious move underway towards a more highly centralized control structure. The consequences of greater centralized control are the sacrifice of the military's speed advantage and the disruption of operational tempo for the forces in the field. A return to doctrinal command and control orientation is necessary if the U.S. military is to maintain the lead and realize the promises of defense transformation.