Balancing Strategy, Resources and Capability: Sizing the Force for an Uncertain Future
Abstract
The thesis of this paper is: Given the historical pattern of U. S. post-war spending, the time period following Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF OFF) will require adjustments to military programs that avoid the demise of core capabilities: these adjustments must be understood and applied. This situation, taken in conjunction with the utilization rates of our military equipment and people and the quantity and focus of training toward OIF and OFF, has left the military in a programming predicament not seen since the end of Vietnam. The research question to be answered here is this: assuming a repeat of these historical budgetary patterns, how can the US combat force best be reconstituted under zero growth in military spending? The methodology for developing this paper involved primary source budget documents, briefings, and speeches. Secondary source products included contracted studies on the topic, and opinion pieces from policy makers and pundits. Information gained from off the record interviews was not directly used, but shaped the course and emphasis of the research. The essential outcomes of this research are: DoD strategic guidance must be specific and prioritized, the research suggests that Defending the Homeland in Depth should be the prime directive from which the Services program. The Services must reprioritize programming based on this refined strategic guidance and the future budget reality of zero growth. Programs that have been at an enhanced level must be devolved by DoD to a basic level, rather than letting the legislature and budget realities control the situation. The research then uses the Joint Strike Fighter program to illustrate how this might be done, suggesting that a single model F-35J be fielded in conjunction with a FA-l8J Super Hornet for all services as the most effective, efficient, and adaptable strike fighter capability for our nation's future
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA487141
Entities
People
- Douglas C. Verissimo
Organizations
- National Defense University