Interagency Functional Transformation Current and Emerging Departmental Relationships

摘要

Nations and ideas are like species. As Charles Darwin pointed out in his 1858 work the Origin of Species, the species that are most adaptable flourish and survive. Organizations too must undergo change to flourish and survive. Transformation is not a new phenomenon within the Department of Defense (DOD). Though transformation has been an evolutionary process, it has been accelerated by recent changes in the national security environment and significant technological advances. Transformation is clearly a priority of U.S. national leadership. A review of the history of that evolution and assessment of the current interagency relationships can suggest options to complete the process. Functional mergers have taken place within satellite command and control, overlapping responsibilities such as those encountered in the intelligence sphere have arisen, and potentially competing responsibilities are at present found within the DOD and law enforcement spheres. Transformation within DOD will not be complete without a corresponding functional area transformation throughout key government departments and agencies. A transformation case can be proposed that would conserve resources, maximize efficiency, and preserve operational effectiveness.