The Interagency Process at the Tip of the Spear
Author: Tucker B. Mansager
Publisher:
Published: 2005
Total Pages: 28
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThe level of interagency cooperation in the conduct of US foreign policy has varied widely in the past. The Executive Branch has made progress in improving cooperation at the national level since Operations JUST CAUSE and PROMOTE LIBERTY, the invasion and subsequent restoration of civil government in Panama. While the National Security Council serves as the strategic-level interagency coordination body, mechanisms for such coordination become less structured and more ad hoc as we move down the spectrum through the theater strategic, operational and tactical levels of the application of national power. In a time of increased and varied global tensions, asymmetric threats and over-taxed resources, the synergy gained by effective interagency cooperation at all levels of endeavor is essential. This paper will look at some of the common problems involved in intra-governmental cooperation, and drawing on the author's recent experience in Afghanistan, identify some lessons learned from Operation Enduring Freedom that may be applicable in other locations and future operations.