Publication

Given the US' fiscal situation in 2013, major program changes are likely for the Department of Defense (DoD). DoD’s efforts to adapt to smaller budgets will be further complicated by the Pentagon’s desire to shift its planning focus to the Indo-Pacific region. The way limited resources are allocated is crucial. This study is based on a series of strategic choices exercises in which experts from across the defense community were given the task of altering DoD’s strategy and capabilities while implementing budget cuts of roughly the same magnitude. The authors argue that the results provide some useful lessons for the budget negotiations that are occurring in 2013.