How does the civillian SecDef lead the military?

Question

Though America has the most powerful military force ever, its command structure is headed by a civillian; the Secretary of Defense. I know of some SecDefs being ex-military generals (like George Marshal)...but how could other civillians with little or even no military background lead the greatest military machine ever?

I could make a guess that the SecDef is a strategist only; with the tactics being in the hands of the 4-stars and 3-stars generals. Yet again, what are the functions of the Deputy SecDef, the Secretary of the Army, Sec of the Airforce and Sec of the Navy; along with their undersecretaries; provided that all are civillians????

I've even heard that the Pentagon has civillian police as part of the security policy due to the presence of myriads of civillians there!

I completely agree with the "civillian control over the military" statute...but is it practical and realistic? Or would consecutive military setbacks lead to a change within this policy?

Answer 1

You look for a civilian who is a very good manager. Day to day operations are carried out by the lower ranks. If you look at major businesses, you see CEO's come from a variety of other companies. If you know how to manage people properly, and youhave good people under you, you can be in charge of any organization whatsoever. The Department of Defense is just like another big business. The Secretary of Defense will ensure that the Administration's policy is implemented. Good question.

Answer 2

The Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy advisor to the President and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy and policy related to all matters of direct and primary concern to the DoD, and for the execution of approved policy. Under the direction of the President, the Secretary exercises authority, direction, and control over the Department of Defense. Whereas the The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense.

The chain of command runs through, for instance, from President Bush to Robert Gates to each of the commanders of the military. Rumsfeld was very adamant to keep his place in the chain command that he often undermined the Chairman and the Joint chiefs when it came to the chain of of command.

I think it makes sense to have a civilian with enough defense background , Rumsfeld was in the military, than leave the military in charge of everything.

Besides the SecDef is answerable to the public via Congress and having an all power military commander second only to the President would mean a coup d'etat if things go wrong.

Answer 3

The SECDEF is the President's representitive for the DoD and carries his authority to manage and direct work done, just like any corporate head in any other organization