The Naval History and Heritage Command has outlined the U.S. Navy’s roles in defense reform and changes in a summary published on NHHC’s website.
NHHC historians Justin Eldridge, Ryan Peeks and Greg Bereiter wrote the 20-page paper and its accompanying 60-page chronology to provide insight into the impact of defense reforms on the military branch, the Navy said Thursday.
The paper also puts in perspective how the defense and Navy organizational and institutional reform went by major historical challenges and examines the Chief of Naval Operations’ role as well as the relationship between the Navy and the Defense Department after 1947.
NHHC suggests in the paper that most calls for change relate to themes such as civilian control over the military when new warfighting systems arise; business management, acquisition, efficiency, effectiveness and cost savings; joint operations and changes in national policy and strategy.
Eldridge said the paper comes in a time that the country and DoD are preparing for an executive branch transition.
“Understanding how past attempts at reform have worked out, and how they are often accompanied by unintended consequences may give Navy and defense leaders insight into what works and what doesn’t” said Eldridge.
