Defense Programs and Budget Risk
Abstract
The 2006 QDR calls for an investment in diverse capabilities to confront a broad range of national security in the twenty first century. US national security documents require the services to maintain a position of supremacy as they build these capabilities. Therefore the Defense Department has set before itself a requirement to modernize a large conventional force structure engaged in ongoing combat operations while simultaneously developing deeper capabilities to counter non-conventional and asymmetric mission requirements. Defense is undertaking this requirement with the smallest share of GDP committed to national defense during any wartime period in United States history while mandatory spending required to support popular entitlement programs is increasing. With the continued aging of the US population the demands for mandatory spending will continue to grow and will increasingly compete with defense programs for the scarce resources of the federal budget. These broad trends indicate an unsustainable course for the federal budget in general and the defense budget in particular. Absent significant changes to popular entitlement programs and a disciplined program of defense investment DOD will find itself with insufficient resources to meet the demands outlined in the QDR and US national strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449200
Entities
People
- Mark D. Troutman
Organizations
- United States Army War College