Read the most recent CSIS research on defense reform efforts.
On December 23, 2016, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2017. The act makes more changes to national security organizations and process than any other legislation since the landmark Goldwater–Nichols act of 1986. This report looks at the NDAA outcome issue-by-issue to see what it means for a new administration.
In its FY 2017 budget proposal, the administration, for the fifth year running, requested authority for another base realignment and closing (BRAC) round.
There is widespread dissatisfaction with the existing strategy formulation process and resulting documents because of their perceived lack of prioritization.
Both the House and Senate bills contain provisions to lengthen the term of service for the CJCS from two years to four.
This year, the Senate and House versions of the National Defense Authorization Act are full of reform initiatives, such as reductions in the number of general officers and the creation of an under secretary of defense for research and engineering.
The House and the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bills have several provisions seeking to strengthen the role of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The loss of reserve three-star positions will likely be seen as a serious loss of influence in the reserve community.
Improving the efficiency, oversight, and professionalism of the security cooperation enterprise will help prove to Americans that these investments are worth the price.
This report assesses the challenges to U.S. security assistance, reviews a few case studies, and provides guidelines for using conditionality on security assistance.
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.