Quadrennial Defense Review

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To meet future challenges and opportunities the Department of Defense (DOD) must decide how to adjust the armed forces structure in an austere economic environment. Based on current strategic direction and fiscal constraints, the general force structure and capabilities necessary to rebalance Joint Force 2020 is a smaller but fully integrated joint military organization. The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) emphasizes US military power will evolve and remain modern, capable, and ready while accepting some increased risk through force reductions. Rebalancing will require innovative approaches and solutions to protect the homeland, build global security, project power, and win decisively with a leaner organization. The subsequent sections …show more content…

Systems like advanced unmanned programs and next generation aircraft lend to this effort and will enable the Air Force to contract. The Air Force must also simultaneously find ways to increase resources for other emerging capabilities to include space and cyber. Both reports from the “National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force” and the “Strategic Agility” concept suggest resources for space and cyber could result from shifting more air force aircraft from the active to the reserve component (RC). The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force …show more content…

With the Pentagon’s directional shift toward the Asia-Pacific region, the current strategic direction has a maritime semblance. In order to meet the requirements of the 2014 QDR in an austere financial environment, “investments will focus on those assets that will ensure naval preeminence and preserve the Nation’s security and prosperity.” As these investments pay dividends, advocates claim cost savings will allow modernization and modest force structure reductions. Required ground force reductions will necessitate greater dependence on naval forces to protect key priorities in the air, land, sea, and space domains. Overall force reduction, restructuring, and pivot to the Asia-Pacific region requires naval forces to take a leadership role in the integration of Joint Force 2020. A thoroughly cooperative, efficient, and adaptable Joint Force 2020 not only ensures US national security in any budget or strategy environment, but also helps mitigate risks associated with those

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