Security policy is a key factor not only of domestic politics in the U.S., but also of foreign relations and global security. This text sets to explain the process of security policy making in the United States by looking at all the elements that shape it, from institutions and legislation to policymakers themselves and historical precedents.
Focusing on the interplay between military operations and civilian agencies during and after conflicts, this study traces the evolution of civil military operations from World War II to contemporary examples like Panama and Somalia. It emphasizes the integration of national policy, strategy, and operations, examining the effects of combat on civil, military, and political dynamics. The author argues for a reevaluation of military organization and planning to incorporate nonmilitary entities from the outset, highlighting the significance of civil military operations in understanding modern conflict.