What did the Goldwater-Nichols Reorganization Act of 1986 require?

• A. The President to report regularly to Congress and the American people on the National Security Strategy
• B. A reduction in defense spending
• C. The dissolution of the Joint Chiefs
• D. The creation of a separate armed service for cyber

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how the Goldwater-Nichols Reorganization Act of 1986 linked national policy to military planning by requiring regular, formal reporting on the National Security Strategy. This provision creates a clear, ongoing channel for the President to outline national security goals and for Congress and the public to see how military planning aligns with those goals. The act itself focused on strengthening civilian control and jointness within the Defense Department, reorganizing the chain of command, and improving interservice coordination—not on cutting defense spending, dissolving the Joint Chiefs, or creating a separate cyber service.