Role and Operation of Joint Staff in Chile

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to present a general overview of the functions and duties of Chile ́s Joint Staff on the 21st Century Battlefield which necessitates the integrated action of all forces employed to produce the synergy which has become a decisive factor in the employment of military power in the operational context. It begins with a brief historical description from the creation of the General Staff of National Defense to the Joint Chief of Staff. Then it describes and conceptualizes the most relevant aspects of Law 20.424 “Organic Statute of the Ministry of National Defense”, emphasizing aspects such as: the new structure, levels of operations, organization of the Joint Staff, and the role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Finally, the System of Defense is explained in the context of the Ministry of National Defense, the Planning Process in different levels of operations, and the Doctrine for joint action.