Commission warns US National Defense Strategy outdated amid rising global threats

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee convened on September 19, 2024, to address urgent concerns regarding the National Defense Strategy (NDS), which members of the commission deemed outdated and inadequate in the face of escalating global threats. The commission's findings highlighted that the current strategy, crafted in early 2022, fails to account for significant geopolitical shifts, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing partnership between China and Russia.

Commission members unanimously stressed the need for immediate and decisive action to bolster national security, citing that threats have intensified over the past two decades, now surpassing levels seen during the Cold War. They emphasized that the U.S. military's current force structure is insufficient to deter adversaries effectively, particularly as tensions rise in multiple theaters, including the Indo-Pacific.

Ambassador Eric Edelman, vice chairman of the commission, pointed out that the U.S. is at risk of losing its military edge, especially as China continues to modernize its forces and infiltrate critical U.S. infrastructure. The commission's report calls for a multi-theater military approach and better integration of commercial technology to restore the U.S.'s qualitative military advantage.

The commission also raised concerns about the bureaucratic inefficiencies within the Department of Defense (DOD), urging Congress to facilitate a more integrated national security strategy that encompasses all government sectors. They recommended a return to Cold War-era defense spending levels, emphasizing that national security should not be viewed in isolation from other governmental functions.

In conclusion, the commission's recommendations aim to drive significant reforms within the DOD and Congress to enhance the U.S.'s readiness and capability to deter potential conflicts. The urgency of these discussions reflects a critical moment for U.S. defense policy, as leaders seek to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape.