Congressional-Military Relations During Periods of Demobilization: StrategicChallenges for Strategic Leaders

摘要

Periods of demobilization in the US military often follow great militaryvictories. The nation's leaders, quick to return to peace and prosperity, find large military forces are too resource intensive, given domestic demands. Competition between military advocates and domestic-minded politicians in post-conflict eras puts a heavy burden on military leaders who must argue the case for adequate armed forces. This paper examines the relationship between one General of the Army and two-Chiefs of Staff of the Army and the Congresses they served in order to determine the effectiveness of senior military leaders in meeting the challenge posed by demobilization. The lessons drawn from their experience have a direct application for our current leaders as they struggle with Congress to determine the shape of the Army in the future.