Publication

This paper traces the evolving role of the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) from the creation of the position during the World War II through the Goldwater-Nichols reforms of the 1980s. The author argues that professional military advice from the CJCS, informed and supported by an independent Joint Staff, is more important than ever in the conduct of global, integrated operations after the attacks of 11 September 2001. He identifies a need to broaden and formalize the operational and supervisory responsibilities of the CJCS while retaining the fundamental character of the current system.