The Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958: Another Attempt to Unify the Armed Forces

Abstract

This thesis is a detailed study of the Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1958 and includes: 1. A short historical review of the events that led to the unification of the armed forces in 1947. 2. A study of each of the three major steps previously taken in the continuous attempt to provide the nation with a more effective defense organization. 3. A summary of the startling events that occurred in 1957 which indicated further changes were necessary in the Department of Defense and the processes and factors involved in the formulation of a reorganization plan. 4. A study of the legislative process and its relation to the defense reorganization plan as it passed through Congress. 5. A detailed analysis of the major provisions of the 1958 Reorganization Act. 6. A review of the changes the act made in the Department of Defense.