Barry Goldwater Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986

(Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H. R. 3622 passed in lieu)

Barry Goldwater Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 - Title I: Department of Defense - Amends Federal armed forces provisions to abolish the authority of the Secretary of Defense to transfer, reassign, or otherwise reorganize administrative functions within the Department of Defense (DOD) which are vested by law within DOD.

States that DOD contains: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Defense; (2) the Joint Chiefs of Staff; (3) the Joint Staff; (4) the defense agencies; (5) Department of Defense Field Activities; (6) the Department of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) the unified and specified combatant commands; (8) such other offices as may be established or designated by the President; and (9) all functions and activities under the control or supervision of any of the above elements.

Requires the Secretary, when a DOD vacancy occurs for which a presidential appointment with Senate consent is required, to inform the President of the necessary qualifications of such appointee. Requires the Secretary to annually provide the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) with written policy guidance for the preparation and review of contingency plans. Requires the Secretary to inform the Secretaries of the military departments of DOD military operations and activities which directly affect their respective responsibilities.

Establishes in DOD the Office of the Secretary of Defense, to assist the Secretary. Allows officers of the armed forces to be detailed as assistants or personal aides to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary of each military department to cooperate fully with personnel of such Office.

Establishes two Under Secretaries of Defense, one being the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, and the other being the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Requires each Under Secretary to be appointed from civilian life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Abolishes the position of Comptroller of the Department of Defense as one of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense and establishes such position as an individual office within DOD. Outlines the functions of the Comptroller, including that of advising and assisting the Secretary in performing all budgetary and fiscal functions within DOD.

Establishes the position of Inspector General of the Department of Defense.

Adds a new chapter to Federal armed forces provisions relating to the requirement for authorization of appropriations and oversight of cost growth in major defense programs. Repeals Federal law which conflicts with changes made under this Act.

Revises Federal provisions relating to the composition and function of the JCS. Includes the following as members in the JCS: (1) the Chairman; (2) the Vice Chairman; (3) the Chief of Staff of the Army and of the Air Force; (4) the Chief of Naval Operations; and (5) the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Requires the President, subject to waiver, to assign to JCS only officers who have served in one or more joint duty positions for a substantial period of time.

Provides that the Chairman of JCS shall be the principal military adviser to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Chairman of JCS to: (1) convene regular JCS meetings; and (2) consult with and seek the advice of JCS members and commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands. Authorizes a member of JCS to present advice or an opinion in disagreement or in addition to advice provided by the Chairman.

Sets forth administrative provisions concerning: (1) the appointment and term of the Chairman; (2) the Chairman's presiding over the JCS; and (3) other functions of the Chairman relating to the planning of military manpower, strategy, and readiness capabilities. Requires the Chairman, not less than once every three years or upon request from the President, to report to the Secretary of Defense concerning recommended changes in the function assignments of the armed forces.

Establishes the position of the Vice Chairman of JCS, to exercise such duties as may be delegated by the Chairman with the approval of the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Vice Chairman to act as Chairman of JCS in the event of a vacancy in that position.

Establishes in DOD a Joint Staff under the Chairman of JCS, to assist the chairman and other members of JCS in their responsibilities. Requires the Joint Staff to include officers selected by the Chairman in approximately equal numbers from the various military departments. Requires the Chairman, no later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to report to the Secretary of Defense concerning recommendations for changes in the function assignments of Joint Staff members.

Adds a new chapter to general military law concerning the operation in the armed forces of combatant commands. Directs the President to establish unified and specified combatant commands to perform military missions, to prescribe the force structure of such commands, to review periodically and revise such missions and force structure, and to notify the Congress before establishing a new combatant command or significantly revising the force structure of an existing command. Requires all combatant forces of the military departments to be assigned to combatant commands.

Provides that the operational chain of command for combatant commands shall run from the President to the Secretary of Defense to the commanders of the combatant commands. Allows the President to utilize the Chairman of JCS in the operational chain of command at his discretion. Requires the Chairman of JCS to serve as spokesman for the combatant commanders concerning operational requirements.

Outlines provisions concerning assignment by the President of combatant commanders. Requires any commander so assigned to have previously served in one or more joint duty positions for a substantial period of time. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the operational chain of command within each unified or specified combatant command.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the administration and support of combatant forces assigned to each combatant command. Provides that the Secretary of each military department is responsible for the administration and support of forces assigned by him to a combatant command.

Repeals the prohibition against consolidating certain functions of the military transportation commands, as contained in the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1983.

Provides that when an officer is recommended to the President for initial appointment to the grade of vice admiral, admiral, lieutenant general, or general, the Chairman of JCS shall submit to the Secretary of Defense an evaluation of that officer as a member of the Joint Staff or other joint duty positions.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that personnel practices, policies, and procedures of each military department enhance the ability of officers to perform effectively in joint duty positions.

Authorizes the Secretary, when determined to be economically feasible, to provide for the performance of a supply or service activity common to more than one military department by a single agency of DOD. Directs the Secretary to establish within DOD a Defense Agency or a Department of Defense Field Activity to perform any such supply or service activity.

Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of Central Intelligence, to develop and implement policies and programs to correct deficiencies in the wartime support capabilities of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.

Directs the Secretary, no later than September 30, 1988, to reduce by a specified percentage the total number of personnel assigned to management headquarters or management support activities in the defense agencies and DOD field activities. Requires a similar reduction of other personnel, also no later than September 30, 1988. Provides that any such reductions shall not apply to the National Security Agency. Prohibits further increases in personnel after the deadline date of September 30, 1988.

Title II: Army - Revises Federal provisions concerning the organization of the Department of the Army to require that the Secretary of the Army be appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Outlines various administrative functions for which the Secretary shall be responsible.

Establishes in the Department of the Army an Office of the Secretary of the Army to assist the Secretary. Requires the Office of the Secretary of the Army to include the following: (1) the Under Secretary of the Army; (2) the Assistant Secretaries of the Army; (3) the Inspector General of the Army; (4) the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee; and (5) such other offices or officers as the Secretary may designate. Limits the total number of personnel assigned to the Office of the Secretary.

Establishes the position of Under Secretary of the Army and five Assistant Secretaries of the Army (one of which is to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and another the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works).

Establishes the position of Inspector General of the Army, and such deputies and assistants as the Secretary may prescribe.

Establishes in the executive part of the Department of the Army an Army Staff to assist the Secretary. Outlines the composition (including a Chief of Staff and a Vice Chief of Staff) of such Army Staff and limits, except in time of war and certain other times, the total number of personnel assigned to such duty. Outlines various responsibilities of the Chief of Staff.

Establishes in the executive part of the Department of the Army an Office of the Army Reserve to be headed by a Chief who shall advise the Chief of Staff on Army Reserve matters. Requires the President to appoint the Chief of Army Reserve from certain qualified officers.

Revises provisions concerning the position of the Provost Marshal General of the Army relating to the appointment of an officer to such position and the length of the tour of duty.

Title III: Navy - Repeals current Federal law defining the composition of the Department of the Navy. Provides for a seal for the Department.

Requires that the Secretary of the Navy be appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Outlines various responsibilities of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make appropriate recommendations to the Congress relating to DOD and to delegate certain powers and duties.

Provides the Secretary with certain authority whenever the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy.

Establishes in the Department of the Navy an Office of the Secretary of the Navy to assist the Secretary. Requires the Office of the Secretary of the Navy to include the following: (1) the Under Secretary of the Navy; (2) the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy; (3) the Naval Inspector General; (4) the Chief of Naval Research; (5) the Judge Advocate General of the Navy; and (6) such other offices or officers as the Secretary may designate. Requires the Secretary to ensure that there is no duplication of functions within the Department. Limits the total number of personnel assigned to the Office of the Secretary.

Establishes the position of Under Secretary of the Navy and four Assistant Secretaries of the Navy (one of which is to be the Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs). Provides for succession to the position of Secretary of the Navy if a succession is required. Repeals Federal law: (1) conflicting with changes made under this Act; and (2) concerning the power and functions of the Office of Naval Research. Provides that the Secretary of the Navy has custody of all records and property within the Department of the Navy.

Revises Federal provisions concerning the composition and functions of the Chief of Naval Operations to include in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations the following: (1) the Chief and the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; (2) not more than four Deputy Chiefs of Naval Operations; (3) not more than three Assistant Chiefs of Naval Operations; (4) the Surgeon General of the Navy; (5) the Chief of Naval Personnel; (6) the Chief of Chaplains of the Navy; and (7) other members of the Navy and Marine Corps and civilians assigned to such Office. Limits, except in time of war and certain other times, the total number of military and civilian personnel assigned to such Office.

Requires the Office to furnish professional assistance to the Secretary, the Under Secretary, the Assistant Secretaries, and the Chief of Naval Operations.

Revises provisions concerning the Chief of Naval Operations to outline various powers and functions. Requires the Chief, in addition to such specified duties, to also perform duties as a member of JCS. Provides for the retirement of the Chief at the rate of admiral.

Establishes the position of Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Establishes not more than four deputy Chiefs of Naval Operations and not more than three assistant Chiefs of Naval Operations within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Revises provisions concerning the organization of the Marine Corps headquarters to establish in the executive part of the Department of the Navy a Headquarters, Marine Corps, to assist the Secretary of the Navy in carrying out responsibilities connected with the Marine Corps. Requires such Headquarters to consist of: (1) the Commandant of the Marine Corps; (2) the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; (3) the Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps; (4) not more than four Deputy Chiefs of Staff; (5) not more than three Assistant Chiefs of Staff; and (6) other members of the Navy and Marine Corps and civilians assigned to the Headquarters, Marine Corps. Limits the total number of military and civilian personnel assigned to such Headquarters.

Requires such Headquarters to furnish professional assistance to the Secretary, Under Secretary, the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Outlines specified functions and duties of such Headquarters.

Outlines the functions, powers, and duties of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, who performs such duties under the authority and control of the Secretary of the Navy. Requires the Commandant, in addition to such duties, to also perform the duties required as a member of JCS.

Establishes the position of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps to perform such duties as prescribed by the Commandant.

Revises provisions concerning the composition of the Department of the Navy to include in such Department the following: (1) the Office of the Secretary of the Navy; (2) the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; (3) the Headquarters, Marine Corps; (4) the entire operating forces of the Navy and Marine Corps; (5) all activities, forces, and functions under the control of the Secretary of the Navy; and (6) the Coast Guard, when it is operating as a service in the Navy.

Includes in the Navy such naval combat and service forces and such naval aviation forces as required for naval operation. Includes in the Marine Corps no less than three combat divisions and three air wings, and such other combat, aviation, and other forces as may be required.

Title IV: Air Force - Revises Federal provisions relating to the composition and functions of the Department of the Air Force to require that the Secretary of the Air Force be appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Outlines various functions within the Department of the Air Force for which the Secretary is responsible. Requires the Secretary, in addition to such specified duties, to also make recommendations to the Congress relating to DOD.

Establishes in the Department of the Air Force an Office of the Secretary of the Air Force to assist the Secretary. Includes in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force the following: (1) the Under Secretary of the Air Force; (2) the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force; (3) the Inspector General of the Air Force; (4) the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee; and (5) such other offices and officers as the Secretary may designate. Limits the total number of military and civilian personnel assigned to such Office, except in time of war or national emergency.

Establishes the positions of Under Secretary of the Air Force, three Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force (one of which is to be the Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs) and Inspector General of the Air Force with such deputies and assistants as the Secretary may prescribe.

Revises Federal provisions relating to the composition of the Air Staff of the Air Force to include in such Air Staff the following: (1) the Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff; (2) not more than four Deputy Chiefs of Staff; (3) not more than three Assistant Chiefs of Staff; (4) the Surgeon General of the Air Force; (5) the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force; (6) the Chief of the Air Force Reserve; and (7) other military and civilian employees assigned to the Air Staff. Limits the total number of military and civilian personnel assigned to the Air Staff. Outlines general duties of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who is directly responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force. Requires the Deputy Chiefs of Staff and Assistant Chiefs of Staff to be general officers detailed to such positions.

Establishes in the Department of the Air Force an Office of Air Force Reserve. Outlines administrative provisions relating to the appointment and term of office of the Chief of Air Force Reserve.

Title V: General Provisions and Effective Date - Directs the Secretary of Defense, no later than September 30, 1988, to reduce the total number of military and civilian personnel employed in management headquarters activities in the military departments and in the combatant commands by at least ten percent of the total number of such personnel employed on September 30, 1985. Excludes specified offices from such reduction requirements. Provides a method for the allocation of such reductions and prohibits certain actions to be used to achieve such reductions. Allows the commander of each combatant command to determine the method in which such reduction shall be achieved within their command. Prohibits, after September 30, 1988, the increase of management headquarters personnel above the level required to be achieved by such date.

Directs the President, at the same time the annual budget is submitted to the Congress, to submit to the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees and the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees a comprehensive report on the national security strategy of the United States.

Waives, as of January 1, 1987, any congressional reporting requirements required of the President or any official or employee of DOD and contained in any Act which authorizes or makes appropriations to DOD. Outlines specified exceptions to such reporting requirement waiver.