Ballistic Missile Defense: Actions Needed to Improve Process for Identifying and Addressing Combatant Command Priorities
Abstract
In 2002, the Department of Defense (DoD) established the Missile Defense Agency to develop and deploy globally integrated ballistic missile defenses to protect the U.S. homeland, deployed forces, friends, and allies. To deliver an operational capability as quickly as possible, the agency was not subject to traditional DoD requirements and oversight processes. While directed to work closely with the combatant commands, the agency was not required to build missile defenses to meet specific operational requirements. GAO was asked to assess the extent to which DoD has developed a process that identifies, prioritizes, and addresses overall combatant command priorities as the Missile Defense Agency develops ballistic missile defense capabilities. To conduct its work, GAO reviewed relevant documents and visited several combatant commands, the Missile Defense Agency, Joint Staff, and other DoD organizations. GAO recommends that DoD improve its process for identifying, prioritizing, and addressing combatant command priorities by completing and publishing guidance that clearly defines each organization's responsibilities; establishing effective methodologies; comparing the Missile Defense Agency's funding plans to the commands' priorities; and providing a DoD-wide perspective on the commands' priorities. DoD generally agreed with GAO's recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484579
Entities
People
- Grace A. Coleman
- Gwendolyn R. Jaffe
- Jennifer E. Neer
- John H. Pendleton
- Karen D. Thornton
- Kevin L. O'neill
- Nicolaas C. Cornelisse
- Ronald La Due Lake
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office