Military Affairs
Americans must be able to act proactively to protect America, its citizens, and its interests. The U.S. Military must be capable and ready to be deployed anywhere our vital interests in are threatened, at any given time, and capable to succeed in a variety of different situations. This can only be achieved by giving the military the resources it needs to make us safer.
GAO Report: Knowledge Based Funding Could Improve Major Weapon Systems
GAO findings suggest that DOD tends to push the need for funding to the future rather than limit program length or adjust requirements. DOD often underestimates development costs due to lack of knowledge and unrealistic assumptions about requirements and technology. The GAO recommends following successful commercial companies disciplined and knowledge-based approach to correct DOD shortcomings.
GAO Report: Defense Production Act: Agencies lack policies and guidance for use of key authorities
The Department of Defense routinely exercises the DPA Title I priorities and allocations authority, which allows rated contracts and orders to be delivered before others, to ensure the availability of defense resources. However, civilian agencies generally do not the Title I authority. Commerce officials noted that a more detailed analysis could be provided if they requested more specific product data from prime contractors. This may result in more contractors using Title I.
GAO: Combating Terrorism: Increased Oversight and Accountability Needed over Pakistan Reimbursement Claims for Coalition Support Funds
For a large number of reimbursement claims Defense did not obtain detailed documentation to verify that claimed costs were valid, actually incurred, or correctly calculated. GAO found that Defense did not consistently apply its existing CSF oversight guidance.
GAO Securing, Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq, Progress Report: Some Gains Made, Updated Strategy Needed
In January 2007, President Bush announced a plan to stabilize Iraq by July 2008 called The New Way Forward. GAO sought to examine the progress made towards the objectives of The New Way Forward plan. Finding many unmet goals and determining that there have been many changes in Iraq since the beginning of 2007, GAO recommends that the Departments of Defense and State, along with other relevant agencies, develop a plan that assess these shortfalls and new needs to be projected past July 2008.
GAO Coast Guard: Strategies for Mitigating the Loss of Patrol Boats Are Achieving Results in the Near Term, but They Come at a Cost and Longer Term Sustainability Is Unknown
While waiting for the newest vessel release, the Fast Response Cutter (FRC), the Coast Guard decided to convert many of its already existing 110-foot boats into 123-foot boats with greater capabilities. However, structural problems lead to the failure and removal of the eight 123-foot boats. Thus, the Coast Guard was presented with the need to mitigate loss of operational hours. In this report, GAO assesses this process.
GAO Military Operations: Actions Needed to Better Guide Project Selection for Commander’s Emergency Response Program and Improve Oversight in Iraq
The Department of Defense manages a US-funded relief and reconstruction program known as the Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP). CERP authorizes commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan to carry out humanitarian and reconstruction projects to help the local people. Congress has appropriated over $3 billion dollars towards CERP thus far. GAO reviewed and reported on the guidance, coordination, and oversight of this program.
GAO: Review of the Air Force's Tanker Contract Award to Northrop-Grumman
The initial phase of the contact award for four test aircraft and production of up to 64 additional aircraft is worth $12.1 billion, produced in five lots. The full contract for 179 aircraft, produced in 13 lots, is estimated by the Air Force at $40 billion. Eventually the Air Force is expected to replace its entire tanker fleet (approximately 535 aircraft) at a total cost that analysts put at $100 billion.
Coast Guard Deepwater Aquisition Program: Background, Oversight, and Options for Congress
The now-separated Deepwater acquisition programs include plans for, among other things, 91 new cutters, 124 new small boats, and 247 new or modernized airplanes, helicopters, and UAV's.
CRS Report for Congress: Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations
This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each
year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense. For both defense authorization and appropriations, this report summarizes the status of the bills, their scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity. This report is updated as events warrant and lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered as well as related CRS products.
Combating Terrorism: The United States Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Destroy the Terrorist Threat and Close the Safe Haven in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Since 2002, destroying the terrorist threat and closing the terrorist safe haven have been key national security goals. The United States has provided Pakistan, a key ally in the war on terror, more than $10.5 billion for military, economic, and development activities. Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), which border Afghanistan, are vast unpoliced regions attractive to extremists and terrorists seeking a safe haven.
GAO was asked to assess (1) the progress in meeting these national security goals for Pakistan’s FATA, and (2) the status of U.S. efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for the FATA. To address these objectives, GAO compared national security goals against assessments conducted by U.S. agencies and reviewed available plans.
Highlights: Combating Terrorism: The United States Lacks Comprehensive Plan to Destroy the Terrorist Threat and Close the Safe Haven in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas
The Highlights of the Recent GAO Report. Full report available below.
A Special Address by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
When: April 15, 1:30-2:30
Where: The Heritage Foundation, Allison Auditorium
General David H. Petraeus' Testimony before Congress
On April 8 and 9, General Petraeus testified before congress on the current situation in Iraq. He testified that there has been "significant but uneven security progress" in Iraq, and that the situation remains fragile with many challenges.
Heritage In Focus Video: Key Questions at the Petraeus-Crocker Hearings
James Phillips, Research Fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs at the Heritage Foundation, discusses three key questions that will be asked at the testimonies of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker before congress.
CRS Report for Congress: Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program
The Navy is procuring a new type of surface combatant called the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The Navy substantially restructured the LCS program in 2007 in response to significant cost growth and schedule delays in the program. The Navy’s proposed FY2009 budget requests $920 million in procurement funding for the procurement of two LCSs, which would be the fourth and fifth ships in the
restructured LCS program.
The issue for Congress for FY2009 is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy’s restructured LCS program. The LCS program raises potential oversight issues for Congress relating to cost growth, total program acquisition cost, the procurement cost cap, technical risk, operational evaluation and competition for production, a proposed common combat system, and coordination of sea frames and
mission packages. This report will be updated as events warrant.
Providing for the Common Defense: Why 4 percent?
A White Paper published by the Heritage Foundation answering many of the common questions about the need to spend 4% of the GDP to provide for the military.
The Long-Term Implications of Current Defense Plans: Detailed Update for Fiscal Year 2008
This presentation updates the analysis of current defense plans contained in the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO’s) April 2007 Web document The Long-Term Implications of Current Defense Plans: Detailed Update for Fiscal Year 2007 to account for changes incorporated in the President’s budget for fiscal year 2008 and in the 2008 Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). The presentation provides additional data not found in CBO’s December 2007 publication The Long-Term Implications of Current Defense Plans: Summary Update for Fiscal Year 2008. Both of those documents respond to standing requests from the Senate Budget Committee.
CRS Report: Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2007
This recently released report provides a detailed history of U.S. global military deployments since 1798.
CRS Report: The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11
'Congress has approved a total of about $700 billion for military operations, base security, reconstruction, foreign aid, embassy costs, and veterans' health care for the three operations initiated since the 9/11 attacks'. This report discusses what was requested in the FY2008 defense budget and how it will be appropriated.
CRS Report: Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons
This report provides basic information about U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons. It begins with a brief discussion of the differences between strategic and nonstrategic nuclear weapons. It then provides some historical background, describing the numbers and types of nonstrategic nuclear weapons deployed by both nations during the Cold War and in the past decade; the policies
that guided the deployment and prospective use of these weapons; and the measures that the two sides have taken to reduce, eliminate, and, more recently, augment their forces. The report reviews the issues that have been raised with regards to U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons, essentially identifying the “problems” many associate with the continued deployment of these weapons. It concludes with a review of policy options, or “solutions” for the preceding problems, that might be
explored by Congress, the United States, Russia, and other nations.
CRS Report: Securing General Aviation
This report provides an overview of the variety of aircraft types, flight operations, and airport characteristics that make up GA. This discussion is followed by an analysis of the existing vulnerabilities in GA security, the terrorist threat posed by GA aircraft, the potential consequences of an attack using various GA aircraft, and how these elements factor into a risk-based assessment of GA security. Based on this analysis, possible approaches and ongoing initiatives to enhance GA security are discussed.
CRS Report: The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11
With enactment of the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764/P.L. 110-161 on December 26, 2007, Congress has approved a total of about $700 billion for military operations, base security, reconstruction, foreign aid, embassy costs, and veterans’ health care for the three operations initiated since the 9/11 attacks: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan and other counter terror operations; Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), providing enhanced security at military bases; and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
GAO Report, Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Practices and Processes for Multiyear Procurement Should Be Improved
GAO-08-298
This report examines the DOD's multiyear procurement (MYP) program, which develops contracts for weapons systems. GAO is making recommendations that DOD improve the outcomes of multiyear justification reviews by improving guidance, providing third party validation of MYP estimates, implementing a centralized database for MYP information, and conducting after-action assessments of completed MYP contracts.
The Case for Future Combat Systems: Dispelling Widespread Myths of the US Army's Primary Modernisation Programme
By: Mackenzie Eaglen and Oliver Horn
This report dismisses seven myths regarding Army modernization in U.S. military technology.
GAO Report: Best Practices: Increased Focus on Requirements and Oversight Needed to Improve DOD's Acquisition Environment and Weapon System Quality
GAO-08-294
In this report, the GAO compares quality management practices used by the Department of Defense (DOD) and its contractors to those used by leading commercial companies and makes suggestions for improvement.
GAO Report: Military Readiness: Navy Is Making Progress Implementing Its Fleet Response Plan, but Has Not Fully Developed Goals, Measures, and Resource Needs
GAO-08-264
In this report, the GAO examines the extent to which the Navy has made progress in implementing a sound management approach for Fleet Response Plan (FRP) and evaluates the long-term risks and tradeoffs of FRP-related changes.
GAO Report: Global War on Terrorism: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense. GAO-08-423R
In this report, the GAO assessed (1) DOD's appropriations and reported obligations for military operations in support of GWOT through fiscal year 2007 and (2) DOD's fiscal year 2007 reported obligations for GWOT by military service and appropriation account.
Lexington Institute Report on Maritime Security
The January 2008 version of the Lexington Institute's report of Maritime Security examines maritime security in international waters and how this topic affects United States' policy. Topics addressed include conventional military threats, pirates and terrorist groups, and other less obvious dangers. Internationally, the United States must build diplomatic ties and improve communications technology to encourage cooperation with other seafaring nations.
CRS Report: Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations
This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense. For both defense authorization and appropriations, this report summarizes the status of the bills, their scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity.
CRS Report: U.N. Convention Against Torture (CAT): Overview and Application to Interrogation Techniques
The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) requires signatory parties to take measures to end torture within their territorial jurisdiction and to criminalize all acts of torture. Unlike many other international agreements and declarations prohibiting torture, CAT provides a general definition of the term. CAT generally defines torture as the infliction of severe physical and/or mental suffering committed under the color of law. CAT allows for no circumstances or emergencies where torture could be permitted.
GAO Report: Military Personnel: DOD Needs to Improve the Transparency and Reassess the Reasonableness, Appropriateness, Affordability, and Sustainability of Its Military Compensation System
In July 2005 the GAO released a report that acknowledges the weaker points of the DOD’s military compensation system. According to the GAO’s findings the military compensation system was critically hindered by a lack of interagency cooperation that resulted in, among other things, the misallocation of resources and the inability to effectively meet recruiting goals. In response to its findings, the GAO has suggested that a chief management official position be created within the DOD. The rising costs of military compensation within the United States requires immediate reform in the compensation system and transparency within and between agencies in order to adjust for future compensation levels so as not to deplete unnecessary funds from the DOD budget.
CRS Report: Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2007
This report lists hundreds of instances in which the United States has used its armed forces abroad in situations of military conflict or potential conflict or for other than normal peacetime purposes.
CBO Paper - Long-Term Implications of Current Defense Plans: Summary Update for Fiscal Year 2008
CSAF White Paper
General T. Michael Moseley
18th Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
This White Paper charts U.S. Air Force strategy for the next two decades and defines the Air Force’s indispensable role in promoting and defending the national interest.
CRS Report for Congress: National Strategy for Combating Terrorism: Background and Issues for Congress
The recent CRS Report for Congress on the 2006 National Strategy for Combating Terrorism outlines U.S. counterterrorism strategies amidst an evolving enemy. The report explains the core components of U.S. counterterrorism efforts and practices as well as amendments to the previous 2003 edition. In addition, it identifies the challenges faced by Congress with regards to its components and implementation.
The Other End of the Spear: The Tooth to Tail Ratio (T3R) in Modern Military Operations
The Combat Studies Institute has just published the latest volume in its Long War series, "OP #23: The Other End of the Spear: The Tooth to Tail Ratio (T3R) in Modern Military Operations," by CSI historian John McGrath. This analytical work surveys the organization for operations of US Army units after post-World War One era to discern trends and insights about the often discussed "tooth to tail ratio."
Some of his findings confirm common perceptions about the increase in "tail" to "teeth" over time, but his analysis of the US Army's T3R in recent decades will surprise readers.
Report of the “Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations” - Urgent Reform Required: Army Expeditionary Contracting
This report details the findings of the independent Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the Army as well as recommendations for future military operations. The Commission found significant failures in the Army's financial management, civilian and military personnel, contracting and contract management, training and education and its doctrine, regulations, and processes. Recommendations include improvements to the Army's contracting personnel, the reorganization of contracting in expeditionary and CONUS operations, training for contracting activities, and the attainment of external assistance to ensure contracting efficiency.
Navy DDG-1000 Destroyer Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
The Navy is procuring a new kind of destroyer called the DDG-1000 (formerly the DD(X)). Navy plans call for procuring 7 DDG-1000s between FY2007 and FY2013. The first two DDG-1000s were procured in FY2007 and are being splitfunded across FY2007 and FY2008. The Navy estimates the combined procurement cost of the first two DDG-1000s at $6,370 million.
GAO Report: Stabilizing and Rebuilding Iraq: Serious Challenges Confront U.S. Efforts to Build the Capacity of Iraqi Ministries
This testimony confronts the challenges involved in rebuilding Iraqi government ministries and offers possible solutions for providing an essential building block of a stable government apparatus. Rebuilding Iraqi government ministries has been a challenge for U.S. agencies aggravated by a lack of hierarchy and persistent security issues within the country. With over two million Iraqi workers representing almost three dozen ministries, it is imperative that U.S. agencies coordinate closely amongst one another to assist in stabilizing the Iraqi government, exploit Iraqi intellectual resources and eliminate security threats.
Defense Acquisitions: Navy Faces Challenges Constructing the Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford within Budget
The Navy is investing over $3 billion to develop technologies for a new type of aircraft carrier - the Ford Class - and it expects to spend almost $11 billion to design and construct the USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78 - the lead ship of the class). Specifically, this report assesses the extent to which technology development could affect the capability and construction of CVN 78.
Defense Logistics: Army and Marine Corps Cannot Be Assured That Equipment Reset Strategies Will Sustain Equipment Availability While Meeting Ongoing Operational Requirements
This study highlights that the Army and Marine Corps cannot be assured that their reset strategies will sustain equipment availability for deployed units as well as units preparing for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan while meeting ongoing operational requirements because neither the Army’s nor the Marine Corps’ reset implementation strategies target shortages of equipment on hand and prioritize equipment needs of units preparing for deployment over longer-term modernization goals.
Until the services’ reset strategies target shortages of equipment needed to equip units preparing for deployment and give priority to those units over longer-term needs, the Army and Marine Corps will be unable to minimize operational risk by ensuring the needs of deploying units can be met.
Special Operations Forces: Management Actions Are Needed to Effectively Integrate Marine Corps Forces into the U.S. Special Operations Command
GAO recommends that the Marine Corps conduct an analysis of the critical skills and competencies required of personnel in its special operations command and that USSOCOM establish a basis to ensure they are trained to be fully interoperable with DOD’s special operations forces.
Analysis of the House Appropriations Committee Mark-Up of the Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Spending Request (H.R. 1591)
This short paper critiques the House Appropriations Committee’s Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill for FY2007.
Transcript of briefing by COL Stephen Townsend, Commander of the U.S. Army's 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
Colonel Townsend discusses the state of our brigade troops in Iraq.
Navy Alternative Force Restructure
This CRS report summarizes three studies submitted to Congress in 2005 on potential future Navy ship force structures, and is intended as a lasting reference source on these three studies.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance: Preliminary Observations on DoD’s Approach to Managing Requirements for New Systems, Existing Assets, and Systems Development
This testimony addresses preliminary observations based on GAO’s ongoing work regarding: (1) the status of DoD initiatives intended to improve the management and integration of ISR requirements and challenges DoD faces in implementing its initiatives, (2) DoD’s approach to managing current ISR assets to support military operations, and (3) the status of selected ISR programs in development and the potential for synergies between them.
Supporting the Congress through Oversight, Insight, and Foresight
This statement summarizes a comprehensive body of GAO’s published work in support of the Congress, much of which offered recommendations to address specific issues.
Foreign Assistance: "U.S. Agencies Face Challenges to Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Food Aid"
In a draft report that is under review by U.S. agencies, GAO recommends that the Administrator of USAID and the Secretaries of Agriculture and Transportation work together to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. food aid, by instituting measures to improve logistical planning, transportation contracting, and monitoring of food aid programs, among other actions.
Use of Lead System Integrators in Government Contracts
The government’s use of private sector lead system integrators (LSIs) for executing large, complex defense-related acquisition programs have received a fair amount of criticism. Two LSI-managed programs — the U.S. Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater program — have been strongly criticized by some observers because of cost and schedule overruns, and the potential for possible conflicts of interest. Supporters of the LSI concept argue that it is needed to execute certain large, complex acquisition efforts, and can promote better technical oversight and innovation. This study assesses claims from both sides.
Defense Acquisitions: Future Combat System Risks Underscore the Importance of Oversight
This testimony is based on work conducted over the past year in response to (1) the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, which requires GAO to report annually on the FCS acquisition; and (2) the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which requires GAO to report on the role of the lead systems integrator in the Army’s FCS program. Accordingly, this statement discusses (1) the business case for FCS to be successful and (2) the business arrangements for the FCS program.
Defense Acquisitions: "Defense Acquisitions: Key Decisions to Be Made on Future Combat System"
This report by the GAO looks extensively at the Future Combat System (FCS), and critiques it in terms of requirements, technology, acquisition strategy and production costs.
Globalization and its Implications for the Defense Industrial Base
In this monograph, Dr. Terrence Guay explores how key elements of globalization have transformed national defense industries around the world, and how these changes will affect the U.S. defense industrial base in the coming years. He focuses on elements of globalization that are relevant especially to the defense industry: the globalization of capital (finance), production, trade, technology and labor; and the changes in global governance that structure the forces of globalization. He concludes by offering ten recommendations for policymakers who have the difficult task of maximizing U.S. economic competitiveness without compromising national security.
Military Operations: High-Level DoD Action Needed to Address Long-standing Problems with Management and Oversight of Contractors Supporting Deployed Forces
Prior GAO reports have identified problems with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) management and oversight of contractors supporting deployed forces. GAO issued its first comprehensive report examining these problems in June 2003. Because of the broad congressional interest in U.S. military operations in Iraq and DoD’s increasing use of contractors to support U.S. forces in Iraq, GAO initiated this follow-on review under the Comptroller General’s statutory authority. Specifically, GAO’s objective was to determine the extent to which DoD has improved its management and oversight of contractors supporting deployed forces since our 2003 report. GAO reviewed DoD policies and interviewed military and contractor officials both at deployed locations and in the United States.
Evolving Roles and Missions for United States Northern Command
Four years after the establishment of Northern Command (NORTHCOM), the organization continues to mature and adapt to evolving National Homeland Security Policy. This report explores current issue areas for Congressional consideration, including DoD reorganization, formalizing interagency processes and an increasing reliance on Reserve Component forces.
Abu Hamzah al-Muhajir's 15-Day Strategy
This short paper exposes the strategic interests of Abu Hamzah al-Muhajir, who succeeded Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi as the Emir of Al Qa’ida in Iraq (AQI). On September 7, 2006, al-Muhajir broke over two months of silence by calling for an increase in violence over the next 15 days. This paper asserts the move was a calculated maneuver intended to demonstrate his authority and perhaps root out informants in his organization.
Military Power of the People’s Republic of China 2006
Written by the Department of Defense, this report addresses the current and probable course of military-technological development of the People’s Liberation Army, the probable development of Chinese grand strategy, security strategy, and military strategy, and the future of military organizations and operational concepts through the next 20 years.
National Defense Budget Estimates for FY 2006
This document is prepared and distributed as a convenient reference source for the National Defense budget estimates for FY 2006. It also provides current and constant dollar historical times series for National Defense, the total Federal Budget, and the U.S. economy. Information included here reflects the President’s budget as submitted to Congress on February 7, 2005.
Defense Logistics: Changes to Stryker Vehicle Maintenance Support
As the Stryker combat vehicle represents an important part of the Army’s modernization and transformation process, rapid fielding and evaluation of the program is crucial. Currently, maintenance is performed by private contractors, however the shifting this responsibility to military personnel in an effective manner is key to proving the Stryker Brigade concept.
Managing Civil Strife and Avoiding Civil War in Iraq
This report summarizes the proceedings of a conference on “Managing Civil Strife and Avoiding Civil War in Iraq,” sponsored by CNA and held on June 2, 2006, in Alexandria, Virginia. Participants in the conference included some of the leading experts on Iraq and civil violence in the country, many of whom have decades of experience in the Middle East.
Force Structure: Capabilities and Cost of Army Modular Force Remain Uncertain
The continuing war on terror has the Department of Defense (DoD) facing a potential shortage for certain combat support and service staff. Private contractors have filled some of the needs, as well as the reassigning and retraining of some military personnel. However, the GAO asserts that until the DoD integrates personnel data with information on current and future force needs, effective planning of force requirements and recruiting goals will be difficult.
Transformation: A Progress Assessment, Vol. II
Volume I of the 2005 Transformation Summer Study represents the consensus view of the membership. This volume contains material that was provided as inputs, but whose findings and recommendations may not represent the consensus view of the membership. In general, this report is comprised of supporting papers that provide in-depth discussion of some of the issues that the Department of Defense faces in improving its organizational capabilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
A Joint Navy/Coast Guard Policy Statement
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen and Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Thomas H. Collins jointly approved a new National Fleet policy statement in early March aimed at strengthening Navy-Coast Guard cooperation and tailored operational integration of each service’s multi-mission platforms, infrastructure, and personnel.
National Defense Strategy of the United States
The National Defense Strategy outlines an active, layered approach to the defense of the nation and its interests. It seeks to create conditions conducive to respect for the sovereignty of nations and a secure international order favorable to freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity. It addresses mature and emerging threats.
Transformation: A Progress Assessment, Vol. I
This study assessed the Department of Defense’s progress towards transformation, concentrating on identifying objectives and recommending actions to meet emerging challenges. The Task Force provided recommendations to improve the topics of concern.
National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism
Produced by the Department of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this planning document “constitutes the comprehensive military plan to prosecute the Global War on Terrorism for the Armed Forces of the United States...including the findings and recommendations of the 9-11 Commission and a rigorous examination with the Department of Defense.”
A Deafening Silence: Hizballah After the American Invasion of Iraq
This research reviews the structural and ideological underpinnings of Hizballah in an effort to understand its capabilities. It begins by reviewing Hizballah’s political and military maturation in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, and then goes on to study the core tenets of the organization’s ideology and how America should respond to such principles.
National Strategy for Victory in Iraq
This document articulates the broad strategy the President set forth in 2003 and provides an update on our progress in the Iraqi conflict as well as the challenges remaining.
Institutionalizing Stability Operations Within DoD
This report considered the institutional hurdles to effectively constitute and use capabilities for stability operations as called for in the 2004 Defense Science Board Report on “Transition to and from Hostilities” and the subsequent draft Directive to implement the recommendations of the report. The Task Force concludes that there is room for improvement in the Department to embrace stability operations as a core activity. An important first step, the report recommends, is to sign Draft Directive 3000, with minor modification if needed.
Stretched Thin: Army Forces for Sustained Operations
This report aims to describe an approach to measuring the availability of Army active-duty and reserve combat units by examining a range of potential operational requirements, force structures, and reserve policies. The analysis captures the difficult trade-offs the Army faces and what this will mean for the future size, structure, and policies of active and reserve forces. This report will be of interest to anyone concerned with how the Army will be able to support sustained and worldwide operations both today and in the future.
Defense Infrastructure: Issues Need to Be Addressed in Managing and Funding Base Operations and Facilities Support
In 1997, the Department of Defense came to the conclusion that the military would best be served by the privatization of the utility systems (water, gas, electric, etc.) employed at DoD facilities. However, the date of completion for this transition has since slipped from September 2005 to September 2011. Following a May 2005 report by the GAO, the DoD has issued new guidelines and procedures for the infrastructure privatization program, though many concerns of the GAO report remain to be addressed.
Department of Defense Annual Industrial Capabilities Report to Congress
This annual report to the Committees on Armed Services identifies and addresses concerns regarding technological and industrial capabilities of the national technology and industrial base. It also provides a description of the assessments used in developing the budget submission of the Department of Defense for the next fiscal year, and identifies each program designed to sustain the national technology and industrial base.
Summer Study 2004: Transition to and from Hostilities - Supporting Papers
The Summer Study presented a plan for enhancing U.S. effectiveness across the spectrum of activities from peacetime through stabilization and reconstruction (S&R). This plan contains two dimensions: 1) management discipline and 2) building and maintaining certain fundamental capabilities.
Summer Study 2004: Transition to and from Hostilities
This report makes recommendations for enhancing U.S. effectiveness across the spectrum of activities from peacetime through stabilization and reconstruction. Such a transition has two dimensions: the first being management discipline, and the second being building and maintainingg certain fundamental capabilities that are critical for stabilization and reconstruction.
Future Strategic Strike Forces
This report studied the nation’s future strategic strike needs, identified a comprehensive analytical framework, and provided a set of actionable recommendations designed to give future Presidents an integrated, flexible, and highly reliable set of strike options on a global scale.
After Zarqawi: The Dilemmas and Future of Al Qaeda in Iraq
Brian Fishman, an associate in the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy, examines the death of Al Qaeda in Iraq’s strategic leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, its implications for U.S. policymakers, and potential challenges for his successor Abu Hamzah al-Muhajir.
