The Evolving U.S. Nuclear Narrative
This study tracks the historical narrative for U.S. nuclear weapons as it has changed over the years. Additionally, it articulates a simple and clear rationale for the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
Topic: Forces
Read the most recent CSIS research on U.S. military force structure.
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.
The Future of Army Modernization: A Public Survey
This is a public survey on the Future of Army Modernization. This survey is now closed.
Landing Together
This report provides an assessment of current and future U.S. amphibious capabilities and those of a select group of allies and partners. It further explores options to allow U.S. amphibious forces to leverage partner and allied capabilities for combined operations without sacrificing warfighting capabilities.
U.S. Military Forces in FY 2017
It is clear that threats are growing and forces need to grow to meet them. Any further cuts are over and forces will increase assuming budget deals avoid sequestration. This report reviews force structure for each military service and identifies three themes about the forces this year.
Weathering the Storm
The United States has never grappled with the degree of civil-military dysfunction that many other nations have faced. The threat of a military coup has never been a significant concern. Yet civil-military friction is intrinsic in the compromise between the nation’s republican nature, which insists on civilian control and military subordination, and the existence of a standing federal military force.
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?
The Army Modernization Challenge
At current budgetary levels modernization is a third priority behind rebuilding readiness and maintaining force structure. Additionally, any increase in budget will be unlikely to help resolve this challenge. This report reviews the army modernization challenge.
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.
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.