The entire 81 page report
can be downloaded here: http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/Ensuring-a-Strong-U.S.-Defense-for-the-Future-NDP-Review-of-the-QDR_0.pdf
I know every wants to
focus on their sequestration analysis but I have to wave the BS flag here from
page 26 of the report:
During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan U.S.forces forward based in and deployed to the Asia-Pacific, although reduced in capacity by theMiddle East conflicts, kept up an ambitious schedule of engagement, exercises, and securitycooperation with allies and partners, while Special Forces soldiers continued partnering with local forces in counter-terrorism operations.
SOF
did/does a lot more than partner with local forces in counterterrorism
operations. This panel continues to perpetuate the myth that all SOF does
is focus on counterterrorism. Unfortunately and with all due respect to
the distinguished panel members and consultants (Appendix 6 page
69) few to none have any significant experience in special warfare activities conducted by SOF (LTG (RET)
Kearney notwithstanding).
However,
they do recognize that the ability to
counter unconventional and political warfare must be
a priority (interesting that it is listed first - but this can be extended beyond
the former Soviet Union to other hostile state and non-state actors to include
Iran, China, ISIL/IS, and even AQ). From page 19:
Specific challenges that should guide U.S. planning include:1. Russia’s increasing use of rapidly mobile and well-equipped special operations forces with coordinated political warfare and cyberspace capabilities to create new “facts onthe ground,” particularly in areas of the former Soviet Union;
National Defense Panel Releases
Assessment of 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review
Report Addresses
U.S. National Security, Sequestration, Force Structure
Published:
July 31, 2014
For Immediate
Release: July 31, 2014
http://www.usip.org/publications/national-defense-panel-releases-assessment-of-2014-quadrennial-defense-review
Contact: Allison Sturma
202-429-4725 – Direct
202-415- 4935 – Mobile
Contact: Allison Sturma
202-429-4725 – Direct
202-415- 4935 – Mobile
(Washington) – The
National Defense Panel delivered its review of the Department of Defense 2014
Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) to Congress today. The Congressionally
mandated report, “Ensuring a Strong Defense for the Future,” was
written at the request of the Department of Defense. The executive director of
the project was Colonel (Ret.). Paul Hughes, a senior advisor
at the United States Institute of Peace and was written in partnership with
LMI, a non-profit government consulting firm. COL. Hughes also led the 2010
review of the QDR.
The consensus
conclusion of the report is that there is a growing gap between the strategic
objectives the U.S. military is expected to achieve and the resources required
to do so. In their cover letter to Congress, NDP co-chairs Dr.
William Perry and General John P. Abizaid wrote, “We must act now to address
our challenges if the nation is to continue benefiting from its national
security posture.”
“USIP is an honest,
non-partisan convener of sometimes difficult conversations related to America’s
security,” said Kristin Lord, acting president of USIP. “The NDP is the most
recent in a long list of practical discussions involving senior leaders hosted,
and led, by the Institute.” USIP has also facilitated the work of the
Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, the
Task Force on the United Nations, the Iraq Study Group, the Afghanistan Senior
Working Group, the Genocide Prevention Task Force, and others.
The NDP is
comprised of 10 members appointed by the House and Senate Armed Services
Committees. Dr. Perry and General Abizaid were appointed to co-chair the 2014
Panel by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. The report examined how the QDR
presented U.S. interests and objectives; the strategic and operational
environment; U.S. strategy, budget and reforms; and the readiness, capabilities
and force structure of the armed services.
The other National
Defense Panel members are:
·
General James Cartwright (Ret.)
·
Ambassador Eric Edelman
·
Former Undersecretary of Defense Michele Flournoy
·
Lieutenant General Frank Kearney (Ret.)
·
Lieutenant General Michael Maples (Ret.)
·
Former Congressman Jim Marshall
·
General Gregory Martin (Ret.)
·
Former Senator James Talent
###
“Ensuring a Strong
U.S. Defense for the Future: The National Defense Panel Review of the
Quadrennial Defense Review” represents the consensus views of the Panel members
and does not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which
does not take policy positions.
The United States
Institute of Peace is a Congressionally-created, independent, nonpartisan
institution whose mission is to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent
conflicts around the world. USIP does this by engaging directly in conflict
zones and providing analysis, education, and resources to those working for
peace. To learn more about visit www.usip.org and
follow USIP on Twitter
@USIP.
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