Publication

This report is the work of an independent task force of experts convened to explore the question of US defense planning and spending in light of looming defense cuts that are part of the Fiscal Cliff at the end of 2012. It begins by examining US interests and the challenges posed to them, and proposes a new strategy to defend those interests in the emerging international environment. It also touches upon the priorities in US forces and modernization programs that are implied by the new strategy, and describes ideas for reducing defense costs through greater efficiency. The paper concludes by describing the changes in the defense posture that would be desirable at alternative budgetary and efficiency levels, along with the risks that might accompany such alterations in the military posture.