Staff Control and the Chief of Staff's Challenge in an Operational Level Headquarters

<p>This monograph examines the exercise of staff control by the chiefs of staff at those headquarters either fighting or supporting warfare at the operational level. It is important for those commanders tasked to plan for warfare at the operational level to have firm control of their staffs without becoming personally involved in details. To serve them in this role they need strong chiefs of staff who are qualified in the eyes of the commanders and the staffs. This monograph examines the evolution of staffs and of chiefs of staff to determine if staff control at the operational level generates consistent requirements for a chief of staff and what qualities are expected of a chief of staff to successfully meet those requirements. It studies the contributions of Lieutenant General Walter Bedell Smith Eisenhower's Chief of Staff during World War II to the concept of what the chief of staff at the operational level of war is supposed to be know and do. Doctrine is examined to determine if there are any shortfalls which need to be addressed with respect to the duties and authority of the chief of staff. The monograph concludes that in order to execute proper control of joint and combined staffs and their functions the current doctrine requires refinement in current staff arrangements to allow for greater staff flexibility in meeting requirements. Additionally the approach to the authority granted the chiefs of staff should become permissive rather than restrictive allowing them virtually to command the staff. Finally those selected to serve as chiefs of staff must complement their commanders; each should be of the same service as his commander and should perhaps be nominated for his position as chief of staff by his commander from a list of qualified candidates. In these ways the commanders at the operational level of war will have chiefs of staff with whom they are more comfortable; who are more prepared doctrinally to assume the role; and who will maintain m</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>