China's Goldwater-Nichols? Assessing PLA Organizational Reforms

The creation of a permanent joint C2 structure, in addition to other changes-such as more realistic, combat-oriented training, tighter control of PLA finances, stronger PME, a dedicated SSF responsible for electronic warfare and operations in the space and cyber domains, a force structure that place...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Strategic forum 2016-04 (294), p.1
Main Authors: Saunders, Phillip C, Wuthnow, Joel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Armed forces
Departments
Electronic warfare
Politics
Reforms
Theaters & cinemas
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Summary:The creation of a permanent joint C2 structure, in addition to other changes-such as more realistic, combat-oriented training, tighter control of PLA finances, stronger PME, a dedicated SSF responsible for electronic warfare and operations in the space and cyber domains, a force structure that places more emphasis on naval and aerospace forces, and anticipated advances in long-range precision strike and other capabilities-could all give the PLA more confidence and capacity to execute joint operations in multiple domains. Given the potential obstacles, as well as significant lingering uncertainties about the reforms, it is far too soon to make any conclusive judgment about the likely impact of the reorganization on PLA operational effectiveness. [...]as David Finkelstein argues, the ultimate effects of the reforms may not be known until far beyond the formal completion date of 2020.49 This should not be surprising, as the U.S. military has been continually improving its ability to conduct joint operations in the three decades following Goldwater-Nichols.
ISSN:1946-8725