Commission calls for urgent overhaul of US defense strategy
July 30, 2024 | Armed Services: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The committee convened today to review the final report from the National Defense Strategy (NDS) Commission, established under the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. The commission's mandate was to evaluate the 2022 NDS and assess the Department of Defense's implementation efforts amid evolving national security challenges.
Chaired by former Congresswoman Jane Harmon, the commission's findings highlight the pressing security landscape, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing strategic partnership among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The 2022 NDS identifies China as the primary strategic competitor and recognizes Russia as an acute threat, while also addressing challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and violent extremism.
The NDS outlines four key missions for the Department of Defense: defending the U.S. homeland, deterring strategic attacks, preparing for conflict, and building a resilient defense ecosystem. However, the commission expressed concerns that the Department of Defense is not adapting quickly enough to meet current threats. It recommends a fundamental overhaul of defense strategies, including improved interagency collaboration, significant investments in the defense industrial base, and a restructuring of procurement processes.
A critical point raised by the commission is the inadequacy of the current force structure to manage simultaneous conflicts across multiple theaters. They propose a new force construct that would better align military capabilities with regional threats and enhance integration with allies.
Additionally, the commission emphasizes the need to reinvigorate American civil society as a source of national power, advocating for public education on security threats and increased engagement in national service. The report underscores the necessity for the U.S. to modernize its military through strategic investments in technology and support for service members.
The committee looks forward to further insights from the commission on how the Department of Defense can navigate the complexities of global security challenges, particularly in light of Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, Russia's actions in Ukraine, and ongoing threats from extremist groups. The commission's recommendations aim to strengthen U.S. global engagement and alliances in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
Chaired by former Congresswoman Jane Harmon, the commission's findings highlight the pressing security landscape, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing strategic partnership among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The 2022 NDS identifies China as the primary strategic competitor and recognizes Russia as an acute threat, while also addressing challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and violent extremism.
The NDS outlines four key missions for the Department of Defense: defending the U.S. homeland, deterring strategic attacks, preparing for conflict, and building a resilient defense ecosystem. However, the commission expressed concerns that the Department of Defense is not adapting quickly enough to meet current threats. It recommends a fundamental overhaul of defense strategies, including improved interagency collaboration, significant investments in the defense industrial base, and a restructuring of procurement processes.
A critical point raised by the commission is the inadequacy of the current force structure to manage simultaneous conflicts across multiple theaters. They propose a new force construct that would better align military capabilities with regional threats and enhance integration with allies.
Additionally, the commission emphasizes the need to reinvigorate American civil society as a source of national power, advocating for public education on security threats and increased engagement in national service. The report underscores the necessity for the U.S. to modernize its military through strategic investments in technology and support for service members.
The committee looks forward to further insights from the commission on how the Department of Defense can navigate the complexities of global security challenges, particularly in light of Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, Russia's actions in Ukraine, and ongoing threats from extremist groups. The commission's recommendations aim to strengthen U.S. global engagement and alliances in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
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