8 hour subcourse that traces the executive decisions and congressional legislation that have shaped the U.S. organization for national security since 1947. It examines the present US defense structure and the role and function of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It also provides an understanding of the roles and missions of the US Armed Forces and the responsibility and authority of joint and service component commanders. Emphasis placed on US doctrine related to joint and service structures and their respective responsibilities, functions, and authority. Students are required to solve joint organizational problems and to report on unique features of US specified and unified commands. This subcourse also provides the student an introduction to the problems and complexities of conducting multinational combined military operations.