The Goldwater-Nichols Act

The Goldwater-Nichols Act, enacted in 1986, reorganized the United States military's command structure to improve joint operations among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It emphasized collaboration between the branches and enhanced the authority of military commanders. The act aimed to address challenges faced during past conflicts by ensuring better communication, coordination, and efficiency in deploying forces. By creating clearer lines of responsibility and promoting teamwork, the Goldwater-Nichols Act sought to strengthen the overall effectiveness of U.S. military operations.