Army Relations with Congress Thick Armor, Dull Sword, Slow Horse

Subjects:

• Military Studies » Military & Politics
• Political Science » Public Policy

Reviews:

• ...provides an excellent description both of institutional culture and of a key problem in civil-military relations. The author also provides a useful analysis of how members of the executive branch of govenment can provide vital information to Congress without improperly pressuring legislators or violating the policies of the presidential administration. For all these reasons, this work will be rewarding reading from anyone interested in the relationship between the military forces and the federal government.
  —Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy
• It is nonetheless an analysis that the new secretary of the army should read with care--and alarm.
  —Foreign Affairs

• Endorsement From Jack Reed, United States Senator (RI): In his insightful work, Scroggs analyzes the Army's challenges in representing its interests to Congress compared to its sister services. Scroggs makes a compelling case that the Army must consider two-way communication with Capitol Hill an essential mission because an active relationship with Congress is key to the Army's success.
• Endorsement From Bernard W. Rogers, General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
  NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, 1979-87: The author illuminates an area of major importance: the Services' relations with Congress. The book should be required reading for all Army field grade officers.
• Endorsement From Norman R. Augustine
  Former Under Secretary of the Army
  Chairman of the Executive Committee, Lockheed Martin Corporation: From Bunker Hill to San Juan Hill to Pork Chop Hill, America's Army has always fought with fervor...the exception has been Capitol Hill, where our Army has a long history of failing to make its case in the Battle of the Budget. Steve Scroggs incisively explains why this has been the case--and what might be done in the nation's interest to permit our Army's needs to be more effectively expressed in the halls of Washington.
• Endorsement From Robert W. RisCassi, General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
  Vice President, L-3 Communications Corporation: In this thoughtful work, Scroggs eloquently lays out the Army's problems in representing its interests to Congress. A must read book for Army officers at all levels and anyone interested in national defense or congressional debate.
• Endorsement From General (Ret.) Edward C. Meyer
  Chief of Staff U.S. Army: Steve Scroggs reminds us that if the Army is to be manned, equipped, and trained for the challenges of the next century, the Army leadership must modernize its ability to convince the Congress of their needs. Much work is required in this area if we are to have the Army ready for the 21st century.

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction: Liaising Versus Lobbying
• Roles of Legislative Liaison and Military Service Liaisers
• Patterns of Army-Congressional Relations
• Army Cultural Dimensions: An Inward-looking Team Player
• M-1A1 Tank Transfer: Culture Impedes Army Effectiveness on the Hill
• Findings and Recommendations
• Epilogue
• Appendices