Description
This paper investigates the need for an Army liaison staff to Congress for strategic matters. The historical and descriptive approaches are used to evaluate pertinent documentary evidence. The Congressional process, as it pertains to military policy, is illustrated with two different models. In recent years Congress has displayed a strong desire to curb the powers of the President and to reassert Congressional prerogatives. However, in attempting to reassert control, Congress may be ignoring the greater impact of its actions upon military strategy. Without close coordination and cooperation between Congress and the Administration on development of military policy, the strategic effort can be degraded. It is evident from the history of the Army legislative liaison effort that liaison between the Army and Congress has developed in response to a need for better communication between the two bodies. The determination of many members of Congress to reassert Congressional prerogatives, particularly in the area of the war powers, has underscored the need to once again improve communications. A good professional understanding between the Army and Congress is needed to implement wise legislation. Although strategy is developed and implemented within the executive branch, Congress controls the structural means for carrying any strategy into effect. The Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison has been very effective in dealing with the structural factors needed to carry out Army decisions on strategic matters. However, there appears to be a need to increase the emphasis upon providing Congress with a clear and consistent rationale for strategic programs as they pertain to the Army. The conclusion of this study indicates that an Army liaison staff to Congress for strategic matters should be established. This could be accomplished in several ways.
