ESTABLISHMENT OF A BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON DEFENSE MANAGEMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87M00220R000200340042-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 7, 2010
• Sequence Number: 42
• Publication Date: June 18, 1985
• Content Type: MEMO

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EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT L6CGr#
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1 JUN 1985
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FIRST PAGE AND CHANGE IN TITLE FROM
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No.
COPY
NATIONAL SECURITY
COUNCIL
INFORMATION
Notice
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SYSTEM II
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June 18, 1985
Executive Registry
CORRECTED COPY ATCHI
MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
THE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND
BUDGET
THE CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
SUBJECT: Establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission on
Defense Management
The President has approved the attached National Security
Decision Directive to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission on
Defense Management. While this NSDD is unclassified, it is not
authorized for public release without NSC concurrence. An
Executive Order implementing this Directive, including a
description; of the Commission's charter, will be available for
public dissemination.
Robert C.
qlarlane
Attachment: NSDD 175
2464
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON CORRECTED COPY
June 17, 1985
NatLonat Secu ity Deci4 Lon
Directive Numbers 115
ESTABLISHMENT OF A BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
ON DEFENSE MANAGEMENT
During the last four years we have made great progress in
rebuilding our national defense and in confronting the many
challenges involved in managing this buildup. We have much to
be proud of.
Now the time has come not only to reflect and ensure that the
people know'of our accomplishments, but also to prepare for the
future. Particularly in the context of the resource constrained
environment we face, we must do all we can to consolidate our
gains and sustain our efforts to reinvigorate the defense
program.
Pursuant to the advice of the Secretary of Defense, and in
consultation with Members of Congress, I have decided to
establish a Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management. The
purpose of this Commission is to review the progress already
made in improving the management, organization, acquisition,
and decision-making procedures of the Department of Defense,
and to propose such further changes as may be appropriate.
The charter of the Commission shall be to study defense
management policies and procedures, including the budget -"
process, the procurement system, legislative oversight, and
the organizational and operational arrangements, both formal
and informal, among the Office of the Secretary of Defense,
the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Unified and.
Specified Command System, the Military Departments, and the
Congress.
Objectives of the Commission shall include but not be limited to
the following:
1. To review the adequacy of the defense acquisition process,
including the adequacy of the defense industrial base,
current law governing Federal and Department of Defense
procurement activities, departmental directives and
management procedures, and the execution of acquisition,
responsibilities within the Military Departments.
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2. To review the adequacy of, the current authority and control
of the-Secretary of Defense in the oversight of the Military
Departments, and the efficiency of the decision-making
apparatus of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
3. To review the responsibilities of the Organization of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff in providing for joint military advice
and force development within a resource-constrained
environment.
4. To review the adequacy of the Unified and Specified Command
system:in providing for the effective planning for and use
of military forces.
5. To consider the value and continued role of intervening
layers of command on the direction and control of military
forces in peace and in war.
6. To review the procedures for developing and fielding
military systems incorporating new technologies in a timely
fashion.
7. To study and make recommendations regarding Congressional
oversight and investigative procedures relating to the
Department of Defense.
8. To recommend proposals to improve the effectiveness and
stability of resource allocation for defense, including
the legislative process.
In formulating its recommendations to the President, the
Commission should consider the appropriate means, for
implementing its recommendations. The Commission should
first devote its attention to the procedures and activities
of the Department associated with the procurement of military
equipment and materiel. It should report its conclusions and
recommendations on the Procurement section of this study by
December 31, 1985. The final report encompassing the balance
of those issues highlighted above should be submitted no later
than June 30, 1986, with an interim report to be submitted not
later than March 31, 1986.
The Commission will be bipartisan in nature and should consist
mainly but not exclusively of people with extensive experience
and national reputations in commerce and industry, as well as
people with broad experience in government and national defense.
The Department of Defense will be responsible for administrative
support to the Commission.
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The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs,
in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, should prepare
an Executive Order implementing this directive, and a list of
recommended Commissioners. The Commission should be in place
and operating as soon as possible. Shortly thereafter, the
Commission should brief the Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs and the Secretary of Defense on the
Commission's plan of action.
t;Yf OE EOFjES
CJA
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