Politico-Military Problems and Resources

Abstract

Regardless of present trends toward review of our commitments abroad, it seems certain that the defense establishment will continue to play a major role in the formulation and implementation of United States foreign policy. The next President will face many knotty politico-military problems. If the Department of State is to play its proper leadership role in providing foreign policy guidance, a new look will have to be taken at the needs and resources for the management of those problems. Key issues of major importance must continue to receive the President's personal attention. However, day-to-day co-ordination between the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the White House will have to be improved to handle the heavy volume of problems that must be staffed at a lower level. Further improvements should be made in the Senior Interdepartmental Group (SIG)-Interdepartmental Regional Group (IRG) system, particularly in the field of planning. Interagency task forces will provide the President with needed focusing and flexibility on major problems. In the field, the gap between the ambassador and military commander left by the Kennedy letter of May 29, 1961, should be closed, particularly during any contingency operations. Finally, even more Foreign Service officers should be educated by and exposed directly to the military.