How Secretary Tillerson Could Reshape The State Department (From Defense News)

One of Secretary Rex Tillerson’s highest priorities is to reform the Department of State. If all he proposes is a smaller organization with fewer senior “straphangers,” the Secretary will have missed a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the role of the Department of State in U.S. foreign and national security policies.  Secretary Tillerson could take as his model for reform the Department of Defense.  A State Department organized to more closely align with the Pentagon, which is its equal operationally as well as in the highest decision-making councils, would likely be more effective in pursing this nation’s international interests and promoting its security. I have written about more on this topic for Defense News here.