Decision-Making for Defense

In the post-war era of rapidly changing military technology, President Kennedy appointed Robert McNamara Secretary of Defense in 1961 and called on Charles Hitch to join him. Hitch discusses how the Department of Defense achieved balanced programs and more effective forces through the firm application of new management techniques without sweeping changes of organization structure. He provides a historical perspective on these tasks of decision-making for national security and explains the contemporary problems of fitting together strategic alternatives, weapons technology, and economic resources to achieve a rational pattern of defense management. Hitch was involved in the origination of these management techniques and was a principal architect of America's modern defense establishment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 92 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

In January 1961, when President Kennedy appointed Robert McNamara as Secretary of Defense, a new era of defense policy leadership was ushered in. This appointment marked a significant shift in the United States' approach to national security, as the post-war era witnessed rapid advancements in military technology and an increased responsibility for ensuring global stability. Alongside these challenges, the Defense Department faced significant organizational issues, including the need for unification and reorganization.

The advent of new planning and analysis techniques brought forth new dimensions to these organizational questions. Charles Hitch, a highly analytical insider, offers a unique perspective on how the Department of Defense achieved balanced programs and more effective forces through the firm application of these new management techniques without sweeping changes in organizational structure. However, it is important to note that important challenges still lie ahead.

As Hitch emphasizes, the objectives, organization, and management techniques of national defense are interconnected, and they must be adaptable to changing national policies, objectives, and the character of resources and technologies. This requires a significant effort to make necessary adaptations to ensure unified management of the vast enterprise that is the present military establishment.

Throughout American history, the management of the defense establishment has been a subject of fascination, concern, and occasional despair for generations of Presidents, legislators, military leaders, and informed citizens. Hitch's historical account provides valuable insights into the evolution of defense policy leadership and the challenges faced by the Defense Department. It sheds light on the strategies employed to achieve balance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing military landscape.

In conclusion, the appointment of Robert McNamara as Secretary of Defense in 1961 marked a pivotal moment in American defense policy. The challenges of the post-war era, coupled with rapid advancements in military technology, necessitated significant organizational changes. Charles Hitch's insights into the Department of Defense's management techniques offer valuable lessons for contemporary leaders as they navigate the complex and evolving landscape of national security.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307483