Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986

The Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 is a law that reorganized the U.S. Department of Defense to improve military coordination and effectiveness. It strengthened the authority of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, clarified the roles of the different military branches, and made combatant commands more unified under a single commander. The goal was to enhance joint military operations, improve decision-making, and make the military more efficient and responsive. Essentially, it aimed to foster better coordination, leadership, and communication across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.