Evening star., 1944-04-27
Defense Department
Propaganda Seen in Demand
for MERGER of Armed Forces
BY David La,Orence

Dy A0IJN LUWyeUEG
Efforts TO consolidate ali armed serv-
ices into one department of defense
look plausible enough on the surface.
But the issues involved contain many
elements OF danger and, instead Of pro-
ducing more efficiency and unity, may
well bring on confusion and discord
It is a bit Of d mystery why there
should be so much propaganda and
excitement In the midst Of war about
theoretical method Of operating the
next war. There would seem to be q
big enough job on hand to win this
war and keep all persons engaged in
handling the armed services busily occu-
pied in achieving the victory. The public
will soon begin to look askance at the
idea Nof promoting now military die
tatorship for the postwar period.
For II the truth be confessed, the
plan for consolidated department of
defense calls really for change in the
Constitution. 1t calls for the abandon
ment OF the independent positions of
the Army and Navy and the making Of
single armed service in which Army.
Navy and air power shall be integrated.
1t calls also for single head Of these
armed services who would have more
actual military power than anybody,
with the exception Of President, has
ever had In the United States.
While, under American traditions, a
military man with full power at any
moment to command the Army and
Navy may never become dangerous,
nevertheless the authors of the Con-
stitution refused to create such posi-
tion and instead permitted only
civilian-the President--to hold the
office of Commander Chief. It will
be said that the new plan doesn't change
that aspect because the President re-
mains as Commander in Chief Of the
Army and Navy and all other armed
services. But the fact Is the President
would, under the proposed scheme, dele
gate his powers to the new head Of the
armed services.
The present scheme is q much more
democratic one and in many respects q
better one. The Chief of Staff Of the
Army and the Chief OF Naval Opera
tions sit together as Joint Chiefs Of
Stad. This means Gen. Marshall and
Admiral King.
That's all that is provided for by law
and by the Constitution-tlle co-opera-
ton of the two major services. But In
formally and without any specific pro-
vision of law Gen. Marshall and Admiral
King, at the suggestion Of the President,
have met with Admiral Leahy, who is
known as the "chief of staff" to the
President of the United States. This Is
not title specified by Congress but.
since it is informal, no objection has
ever been raised. 1t could be legalized
because the President has always had a
naval or military aide and he should
properly have a chief of staff.
After the Joint Chiefs Of Staff began
their meetings, the President arranged
for the chief OF the Army Air Forces,
Gen. Arnold, to attend and, while no
public announcement was ever made
about it, the Joint Chiefs Of Staff has
ever since been regarded as consisting
Of Gems. Marshall and Arnold, and
Admirals King and Leahy.
But, theoretically, there is every reason
why Gen. McNair, the head of the
ground forces, should also be member
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Likewise.
If Gen. Marshalls subordinates are to
be on the Joint Chiefs of STAFF, why, 1t
has been asked, shouldn't Admiral King
bring in Admiral Mccain, his deputy
chief for air?
The simple answer thus far has been
that the four men make q good team
and that the whole problem of what the
top staff organization should be as
permanent thing would be taken up at
some future time when the lessons of
the present war could be digested.
Unified command in the field has been
achieved. Unified command at home has
been achieved. What's behind the de-
mand for a merger now of all armed
services so that they would lose their
identity and traditions? And why have
some thoughtful and sincere men been
Victimized by the propaganda?
1t would be better If the subject were
dropped and the energies of our officials
and commanders were utilized in full
filling the slogan, Lets get on with the
war"
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