Goldwater-Nichols: Military-run versus Civilian-run Acquisition: Will the Twain Ever Meet in the DoN?

Abstract

In 1986, the military establishment underwent the most sweeping package of defense reforms to be enacted in almost 40 years, starting with the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act. Related reforms followed shortly thereafter, including those contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 1987, reflecting many of the recommendations of the Packard Commission. In the two decades following enactment of this legislation, the military establishment has taken numerous steps to implement them. However, some within the military services have grown increasingly concerned about the effect of some of these reforms, perceiving a growing divide between a military-run requirements process and a civilian-run acquisition process that they regard inimical to the efficient and effective support of military forces. This study describes analysis done, conclusions drawn and recommendations made to the Department of the Navy (DoN) regarding the closer integration of the interests of the Chief of Naval Operation (CNO), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN (RD&A)), and the Navy acquisition community writ large to increase material capabilities and readiness at reduced costs. The effort was pursued through an assessment of the implementation of the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 in the Department of the Navy and related acquisition reforms. It also includes a comparison of the DoN with that of the Air Force and Army.