Smart Conditions
This report assesses the challenges to U.S. security assistance, reviews a few case studies, and provides guidelines for using conditionality on security assistance.
Archive
Alternative Defense Strategies in a Cost-Capped Environment
This study reviews strategy and forces for the Department of Defense under constrained resources. It also provides recommendations for the FY 2017 defense budget and the next Quadrennial Defense Review.
Establish Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
The administration, Senate, and House all agree that ensuring U.S. technological superiority is a major priority and that some change to DoD’s current organization would likely be beneficial in achieving this objective.
Moving Away from Traditional Major Defense Acquisition Program Structure
The acquisition system needs to reevaluate the way major defense acquisition programs are acquired and move throughout the acquisition process.
Transforming the Business Model for Defense Research and Development
Management of defense acquisition programs has historically followed a well-defined structure.
Reducing the Number of Active Duty General/Flag Officers
Over years the ratio of Active duty general and flag officers to troops has increased over time. This report reviews the proposal to reduce the number of general/flag officers.
Reducing the Number of Senior Executive Service Positions by 25 Percent
Summary Cutting the number of SES is consistent with the widespread desire to cut overhead and the existing DoD direction to cut management headquarters. However, the current number of SES is not out of line with history. Further, DoD has proportionally many fewer SES than the domestic agencies. Download Report Here
Reducing Number of Four-Star Generals/Flag Officers
Summary The administration, SASC, and HASC all agree that some reduction is needed. The Senate would cut many more billets (14) than the House (5). The discussion will be about how many billets to cut and how much latitude DoD has in implementation. Download Report Here
Limiting Size of NSC Staff
Growing in both its staff size and its role in national security decisionmaking, the NSC has assumed more of an operational role rather than focusing on strategic planning and interagency coordination. The NSC has been criticized for its overreach into operational and tactical details. However, as an entity under presidential purview, Congress’s ability to restrict the NSC is a constitutional issue. Due to these challenges and constraints, what is a possible way forward for NSC reform?
Creating OSD “Mission Teams”
Proposals for OSD “Mission Teams” is not new and it is not controversial. Rather it is a mark of good government. The disagreement comes from proposed legislative language. This report reviews congressional remarks and provides a recommendation for moving forward.