Risk and the National Defense Strategy
Abstract
Risk was introduced as a concept to be reported on in the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) 1997 legislation. Risk was discussed in the subsequent Report of the Quadrennial Defense Review, but only in very broad terms. QDR 01 legislation mandates that risk be assessed in relationship to the full range of missions in the national defense strategy. The legislation requires that risk be low to moderate and defined in terms of nature, magnitude, and by political, strategic, and military components. While the legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct this risk assessment in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), the Chief of Staff of the Army, as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, must help develop the assessment process and product. This paper recommends how the Army should define and assess the nature and magnitude of the political, strategic, and military risks associated with executing the missions called for under the national defense strategy. The paper concludes with a proposed risk assessment methodology that can serve as the Army's contribution in assisting the CJCS meet the legislative requirement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389736
Entities
People
- Wally Wininger
Organizations
- United States Army War College