The Director of Central Intelligence and the Deputy Secretary of Defense recently reconvened the Joint Security Commission, last heard from in 1994 when it issued a report entitled Redefining Security, which led to the establishment of the Security Policy Board. The following charter, re-establishing the Joint Security Commission, was issued in October 1998. It was obtained by Inside Washington Publications.
2. MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION. The Commission will consist of the original ten members including the Chairman. Members will serve as part-time advisory personnel under Section 303 of the National Security Act. Members serve at the pleasure of the Board Cochairs. The Commission Chair may establish committees and task groups from the membership for the purpose of carrying out its mission. The Commission is encouraged to work in partnership with the Security Policy Advisory Board.
3. DUTIES. The Commission shall conduct an expeditious review of the accomplishments, performance, and effectiveness to date of the Security Policy Board's organization and compare the result with originally-conceived objectives and expectations. The review should include a critique of the organization's structure and functions, any recommendations and implementing action for improvement in these areas and related areas recommended by the Commission, and efforts of other organizations that are duplicative. Concentration should be on those recommendations which have been favorably considered by the NSC and/or others. The Commission shall provide a report with suggested improvements to the Cochairs of the Security Policy Forum at the completion of their review.
4. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES. In keeping with the direction of the undersigned, the Commission will have access to security compartments, programs and data it may require for the Board's membership. It will have the full support and cooperation of all agencies and components.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. The Commission will meet at the call of the Chair. The Commission will be assisted and administratively supported by the Board Staff with augmentation as deemed appropriate by the Chair. Funding will be provided by the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense.
6. DURATION. The Commission shall terminate 60 days after appointment.
George J. Tenet
Board Cochair
John J. Hamre
Board Cochair