This is a study of the intense political conflict that took place between 1943 and 1947 over the unification of the military services -- adapted from the preface.

"Sponsored by the Institute of War and Peace Studies of Columbia University."

The origins of unification --The proposals are presented -- War Department coalition goals -- Navy Department coalition goals -- Intra-executive branch bargaining -- Congress enacts the agreement -- Intra-legislative influences -- Extra-legislative and extra-governmental influences -- The outcome of the unification conflict -- Conflict, unification, and the policy process.