The DOD Budget: No Money, More Problems
Abstract
National security is one of the utmost concerns of any nation; an adequate defense ultimately helps with stability and prosperity. The United States has and continues to view this as a high priority; and as such, it has consistently highlighted its importance by allocating funding towards this effort. Unfortunately, as time has progressed, other areas of the federal budget have began to threaten the U.S.s ability to adequately fund the national defense. This paper will use the problem/solution framework to analyze how a declining DOD budget potentially jeopardizes national security. Mandatory spending programs, the national debt and its associated interest payments, and Congressional conflicts of interest are all factors that must be reviewed to understand the synergistic ramifications of this threat. Additionally, the DOD must also conduct an internal assessment of the current funding profile to determine if the highest priority requirements are being funded to meet the long-term, strategic initiatives of the nation. Ultimately, changes to the current funding process, legislation, and assumed benefits/entitlements will be required to secure the U.S.s role as a leader in the international realm in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054564
Entities
People
- Joseph D Ites
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College