Mid-Level Service Doctrine: Is There a Need

摘要

Since the implementation of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, a growing body of joint doctrine has guided U.S. military actions. However, a corresponding reduction in service doctrine has not occurred. This has fostered doctrinal conflict and inefficiencies in the doctrine process, which affect the entirety of the American military organization. By examining the arguments of those who favor the ultimate supremacy of joint doctrine at the theater-strategic and operational levels of war, as well as the counter-arguments of the proponents of retaining strong service doctrine at those same levels, a case is made for replacing service doctrine with joint doctrine and improving aspects of the current joint doctrine development process.