Dynamic National Security Strategy: Creating Synergy Between Strategy, Forces, and Resources

摘要

Over the past fifty years Congress has continually increased its oversight of defense policy and management. The latest Act, the National Defense Reorganization Act of 1997, was to be the avenue for ensuring that the Armed Forces were adequately structured to meet America's national security interests. This process, otherwise known as the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), has failed to meet that objective. A significant mismatch continues between strategy, forces, and resources. Given the increased demand on limited resources coupled with the new war on terrorism, it is extremely important that Congress address this mismatch. How can Congress ensure an adequate match between strategy, forces, and resources. Although there are certainly some impediments to this based on the United States constitutional system, Congress can start by revising its national security legislation. The legislation must stipulate a new national security strategy process that includes who, what, and when. The Executive Branch has to be held accountable for producing an overarching strategy by which all those responsible for providing the means can produce a viable strategy and corresponding budget. If done correctly, this process should provide the proper checks and balances to help Congress effectively and efficiently resource America's national security.