He accorded the service secretaries and the JCS a more influential role in the development of budgets and force levels .
While retaining decision - making functions for himself and the deputy secretary of defense , Laird somewhat decentralized policymaking and operations .
Laird accorded the service secretaries and the JCS a more influential role in the development of budgets and force levels .
While retaining decision - making functions for himself and the deputy secretary of defense , Laird somewhat decentralized policymaking and operations .