Rumsfeld's Rules For The Secretary Of Defense

[PorschePilot]

Rumsfeld's Complete Rules can be found at:

www.library.villanova.edu/vbl/bweb/rumsfeldsrules.pdf


RUMSFELD'S RULES FOR THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

− The Secretary of Defense is not a super General or Admiral. His task is to exercise civilian
control over the Department for the Commander-in-Chief and the country.
− Reserve the right to get into anything and exercise it. Make your deputies and staff realize that,
although many responsibilities are delegated, no one should be surprised when the Secretary
engages an important issue.
− Manage the interaction between the Pentagon and the White House. Unless you establish a
narrow channel for the flow of information and “tasking” back and forth, the process can
quickly become chaotic.
− Normal management techniques may not work in the Department. When pushing responsibility
downward, be sure not to contribute to a weakening of the cohesion of the Services; what
cohesion exists has been painfully achieved over the decades.
− When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don’t eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.
− Avoid public spats. When a Department argues with other government agencies in the press, it
reduces the President’s options.
− Establish good relations between the Departments of Defense, State, the National Security
Council, C.I.A. and the Office of Management and Budget.
− Be sure key U.S. ambassadors are informed on Defense activities in their countries.
− Develop a personal relationship with the Chairman and each of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They
are almost always outstanding public servants. In time of crisis, those relationships can be vital.
− If you get the objectives right, a lieutenant can write the strategy. (General George Marshall)
− Napoleon was asked, “Who do you consider to be the greatest generals?” He responded saying,
“The victors.”

[techweenie]

Interesting.

Next, let's see Michael Brown's rules for running an emergency agency and G.W. Bush's rules for balancing the budget!