The following op-ed has been adapted from the Project for National Security Reform's recently released report (.pdf), "Turning Ideas Into Action." It is the third of three that WPR has featured. The first can be found here. The second can be found here.The National Security Act of 1947 established the National Security Council (NSC) to draw upon the expertise of the diplomatic, military, and intelligence departments and agencies to advise the president and coordinate policy. Today's NSC consists of the president as well as select department secretaries and agency heads. A national security adviser and a small National Security Staff support the NSC's policy development and coordination roles. ...