Operation Overwatch
In this article for the Represent series, Megan Gemar suggests a comprehensive program to address the concerning female retention rates in the Army and build inter-service connections amongst women.
Content Type: Opinion
Read featured commentary from CSIS experts on the latest developments in defense and national security.
Statement from the Editors on the Attack on the Capitol of January 6, 2021
Like other Americans, we were appalled by the seditious attack on the Capitol last Wednesday. We watched as the mob’s disregard for the Constitution and democracy threatened the safety of elected government servants, congressional staff, and law enforcement officers. At least five people have died as a consequence of these actions. But the sickening element…
Bad Idea: Dismissing Russia as a Declining Power in U.S. Strategy
Russia has been dismissed as a declining by some policymakers and analysts who prefer to focus on competition with China. Yet Russia remains one of the most assertive and powerful states in the international system and ignoring the threat it poses is a strategic error.
Bad Idea: Considering the Debt a Threat to National Security
Austerity hawks who focus overly much on the size of the national debt as an indicator of national security strength are missing the bigger picture. Expected interest rate hikes haven’t materialized, and instead the U.S. is missing opportunities for long-term investment.
Bad Idea: Eliminating, Rather Than Reforming, Overseas Contingency Operations Funding
Nothing in D.C. has the ability to unite political adversaries like a mutual hatred of the Pentagon’s OCO funding. But eliminating OCO — instead of reforming it — could further imperil the greater transparency and accountability that its detractors seek.
Bad Idea: All Sensors, All Shooters, All the Time – a Joint All-Domain Command and Control System That Prioritizes Centralization
JADC2 is supposed to give U.S. forces a competitive advantage by connecting sensors to shooters. But centralizing data streams only makes a bigger target — one that U.S. adversaries are already planning to take down. JADC2 should instead be reenvisioned into a more flexible, bottom-up system.
Bad Idea: The “Use-It-Or-Lose-It” Law for DoD Spending
The inability to carry over O&M and MILPERS funding into the fiscal year after they are appropriated encourages year-end spending spikes and negative outcomes. This is a problem Congress can easily fix, writes a former DoD comptroller.
Bad Idea: Overly Focusing on Speed in Development and Acquisition
The Department of Defense is prioritizing speed in its acquisitions and development strategy. However, fixating on speed could lead to issues with program management, sustainment, and other areas.
Bad Idea: Conflating Great Power Competition with High-Intensity Conflict
DoD should not make the mistake of preparing for “great power competition” by investing only in high-intensity capabilities. While the U.S. should indeed be prepared for direct conflict, much of the fighting will be conducted through irregular warfare operations.
Bad Idea: Focusing International Space Cooperation on Established Space Powers
While the U.S. is prioritizing relationships with nations that have highly-developed space programs, China is building out partnerships with nations that have underdeveloped programs. If the U.S. does not reorient its focus, it risks ceding leadership in this critical domain to China.