Service Chiefs Versus Combatant Commanders

[rangerrebew]

Service Chiefs Versus Combatant Commanders
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By Mackenzie Eaglen
April 08, 2021
 
A military family feud is spilling into the headlines just as the Biden budget wars heat up behind closed doors. While this is unfortunate, it is also expected as uniformed leaders try to shape the narrative and frame the debate for policymakers.

The more interesting discussion, however, is the one going on between the service chiefs and the combatant commanders, which for the moment, appears pretty one-sided. Generals Berger and Brown have spilled ink now in two prominent publications to make their case that a longer-view needs to be taken on readiness, regional commanders’ demands for forces, and reprioritized investments toward competition with China. The Commandant of the Marine Corps and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force have made a compelling case that now must be addressed and answered.
Overcoming ‘The Tyranny of the Now’

At the Pentagon, the inbox always wins. In a world of unsteady peace, the military is as busy as ever—steaming, flying, and driving all over the world every day to deter would-be enemies, assure friends and partners, and be present to train, exercise and be available should something flare up in regions of interest. In the words of a former Deputy Secretary of Defense, the result is one where “the Pentagon has been unable to treat regional combatant commander requests for forces as “desirements“ rather than “requirements.” So, the default answer for requests for forces is “yes.”’

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/04/08/service_chiefs_versus_combatant_commanders_771881.html

[sneakypete]

This reporter seems to be taking the position that "daddy knows best,and the unruly children commanding the actual combat forces need to suck it up."

That just wasn't MY conclusion after serving 7 years in the army. The further you got away from local combat commanders,the closer you seemed to get to Disneyland. Political considerations were EVERYTHING,and defeating the enemy was just a sideshow.