NSAM 55
 JFK Assigns
Paramilitary Ops to the Joint Chiefs
JUNE 28, 1961
NATIONAL SECURITY ACTION MEMORANDUM NO. 55
TO: The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
SUBJECT: Relations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the President
in Cold War Operations
I wish to inform the Joint Chiefs of Staff as follows
with regard to my views of their relations to me in Cold War
Operations:
a. I regard the Joint Chiefs of Staff as my principal
military advisor responsible both for initiating advice to me
and for responding to requests for advice. I expect their advice
to come to me direct and unfiltered.
b. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have a responsibility
for the defense of the nation in the Cold War similar to that
which they have in conventional hostilities. They should know
the military and paramilitary forces and resources available
to the Department of Defense, verify their readiness, report
on their adequacy, and make appropriate recommendations for their
expansion and improvement. I look to the Chiefs to contribute
dynamic and imaginative leadership in contributing to the success
of the military and paramilitary aspects of Cold War programs.
c. I expect the Joint Chiefs of Staff to present
the military viewpoint in governmental councils in such a way
as to assure that the military factors are clearly understood
before decisions are reached. When only the Chairman or a single
Chief is present, that officer must represent the Chiefs as a
body, taking such preliminary and subsequent actions as may be
necessary to assure that he does in fact represent the corporate
judgment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
d. While I look to the Chiefs to present the military
factor without reserve or hesitation, I regard them to be more
than military men and expect their help in fitting military requirements
into the overall context of any situation, recognizing that the
most difficult problem in Government is to combine all assets
in a unified, effective pattern.
cc. Secretary of Defense
General Taylor
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