The Department of Defense changed its strategic focus after the tragedies of September 11, 2001. As the smoke and information cleared, a global campaign against the terrorist organizations that committed that horrific act was initiated, with the sole intent of bringing security back to the homeland. Cold War era policy and legislative structure, however, reminded military leadership that unilateral operations are not easily accomplished under current legislative and policy guidance. Analysis, however, shows that much of what is accepted as guidance comes through policy and historic precedence versus formal legislation. Using current U.S. law and Presidential Policy, this study attempts to dissect existing guidance regarding three primary areas required at the macro level for mission success; access to intelligence, access to operating areas, and authority to conduct operations. Current legislation provides a framework for interagency cooperation while it establishes firewalls to limit the unilateral capability of any single element. The President, however, has the authority to clarify this legislation and shape the strategic environment for his subordinate elements through the use of Presidential Policy tools such as the Executive Order.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.