Open Letter on Defense Reform
An open letter on defense reform, addressing problems that require significant reform to ensure the U.S. maintains the finest military in the world.
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Defense Reform Survey
Defense Reform Survey As interest in major reforms to the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act has grown, the CSIS International Security Program has decided to create a survey to gauge public opinion on the primary contemporary problems facing the defense establishment. The survey is now closed. View the survey results
Reflections: Improving the Interagency Process
The perceived need for reform is in the interagency coordination process has increased over the years. Yet, the way forward is complicated by a constitutional fault line. This piece assesses challenges in the interagency process, the national security staff, and a possible way forward for improvement.
Reflections: Looking Back at the Need for Goldwater-Nichols
Reform is challenging. Reforming major government institutions is exceptionally difficult. However, it is not impossible. This essay reflects on the factors promoted the passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, which led to reform in the Department of Defense.
Defense Outlook 2016: What to Know, What to Expect
This inaugural report in the Defense Outlook Series looks back at what happened in 2015, specifically with respect to strategy and the security environment, the debate in Congress over the defense budget and force structure, and changes in the acquisition system, and looks ahead to what these developments may mean in 2016 and beyond.
Defense Modernization Plans Through the 2020s: Addressing the Bow Wave
This report details the plans for major acquisition programs over the next fifteen years and explores the complicating factors that may make the situation more problematic for policymakers. It analyzes a range of options to mitigate the bow wave, including increasing the budget, cutting additional force structure, and making trades among major acquisition programs.