Beyond The Bottom-Up Review Individual Research Project
Abstract
On 1 September 1993, Secretary of Defense Les Aspin publicly announced the results of the DoD Bottom-Up Review (BUR), declaring it was "a product of a comprehensive, broadly collaborative review based on the real dangers that face America in this new time."' Secretary Aspin's announcement capped the nation's second effort to determine a defense structure sized and shaped for a post-Cold War world. This essay examines the 1993 BUR, its intent, key assumptions, and the ability of the resulting force structure to support the objectives of the Administration's National Security Strategy>' of Enlargement and Engagement Joint Publication 1-02 defines "national security strategy" as "the art and science of developing, applying, and coordinating the instruments of national power (diplomatic, economic, military, and informational) to achieve objectives that contribute to national security"2. The art and science of defense planning is an imperfect, iterative process, especially in a time of transition and uncertainty. This essay concludes the BUR was based on a number of assumptions that may need to be revisited in order to resolve the emerging shortfalls in U.S. defense capabilities. Doing so will require another defense review, one that builds on the lessons learned from the Bottom-Up Review to ensure the Armed Forces remain prepared to meet the dangers and challenges of the future, in peace and in war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA430015
Entities
People
- Mark A. Gunzinger
Organizations
- National War College