The organization and functioning of the legislative liaison offices of the military departments

Abstract

Recognition of the importance of legislative liaison in the military departments is critical in an era of declining defense dollars. This thesis documents the organization, functions, and operation of the legislative liaison offices of the three military departments and provides evidence regarding congressional perceptions of these offices. The legislative liaison offices of the military departments are examined and compared using an organizational model based on legislative liaison in other executive branch offices. Special attention is given to the division between liaison with appropriation committees and all other defense-related committees of Congress. This thesis was written in part to serve as a reference on legislative liaison for Administrative Science courses MN 3172 (Public Policy Processes) and MN 3301 (Systems Acquisition and Project Management). It is also germane to courses on legislative liaison and public affairs under development by the National Security Affairs Department.