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John Hamre

was elected president and CEO of CSIS in January 2000. Before joining CSIS, he served as the 26th U.S. deputy secretary of defense. Prior to holding that post, he was the under secretary of defense (comptroller) from 1993 to 1997. As comptroller, Dr. Hamre was the principal assistant to the secretary of defense for the preparation, presentation, and execution of the defense budget and management improvement programs. In 2007, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates appointed Dr. Hamre to serve as chairman of the Defense Policy Board, and he served in that capacity for four secretaries of defense.
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Opinion / Acquisition, Reform

Reflections: The Mistake that Decapitated Pentagon Innovation — and How to Fix It

The Packard Commission reform transformed the acquisition side of the Department of Defense. However, it also decapitated the innovation ecosystem. If we are to restore the culture of innovation the Packard Commission will need be addressed.

April 18, 2016 — John Hamre, defense360
Opinion / Forces

Reflections: The Relationship between Special Forces and General Forces

This reflection examines the relationship between Special Forces and general forces. Special Forces operate quickly and with great secrecy. Unlike general forces, the element of secrecy keeps Special Forces out of public debate. Recognizing the strength of Special Forces, how should we wage war with transparency?

April 5, 2016 — John Hamre, defense360
Opinion / Forces, Reform

Reflections: Keep America’s Top Military Officer Out of the Chain of Command

Although addressed in the Goldwater-Nichols Act, the question of how much power the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is reemerging. Now in a fiercely partisan environment, Congress should take caution as they reconsider the question.

March 21, 2016 — John Hamre, defense360
Opinion / Reform

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.

February 23, 2016 — John Hamre, defense360
Opinion / Reform

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.

January 27, 2016 — John Hamre, defense360
Center for Strategic and International Studies

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