Interservice rivalry, mission consolidation and issues of readiness in the DoD: a case study of U.S. Navy EA-6B Joint-Service Expeditionary Squadrons

Abstract

This thesis provides an in-depth analysis of interservice rivalry and the roles and missions debate, the trend towards jointness and mission consolidation within the Department of Defense, and their effects on issues of logistics, funding and readiness. A case study of recently established EA-6B prowler Joint-Service Expeditionary Squadrons organized to replace the Air Force EF-111A Raven highlights the implications of mission competition and consolidation in the post-Cold War era and serves as the focal point for analysis in the areas of logistics, funding and readiness. This study begins with a review of interservice rivalry, jointness and mission consolidation providing both historical and current examples. The case study of the Joint Service Expeditionary Squadrons covers initial planning and organization through recent developments and progress toward Navy assumption of the electronic warfare mission for the Department of Defense. Finally, an analysis of logistics, funding and readiness based on the case study is presented. The thesis concludes with a summary of findings, proposed areas for continued research and concluding remarks.