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An Undisciplined Defense: Understanding the $2 Trillion Surge in US Defense Spending
Publication Date: January 2010
Publisher(s): Project on Defense Alternatives (Commonwealth Institute)
Author(s): Carl Conetta
Funder(s): Commonwealth Institute (Cambridge, Mass.)
Funder(s): Commonwealth Institute (Cambridge, Mass.)
Topic: Military and defense (National security)
Keywords: military; Pentagon; defense; budget
Type: Report
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
The report analyzes the unprecedented post-1998 rise in defense spending and the return to Cold War budget levels. The causes include overly ambitious US military strategy and goals; weakness of reform and transformation efforts; failure to make hard choices in acquisition; and conduct of wars ill-suited to the US military. Also examined: the surge in military construction and the expanded role of private contractors. 75 pages with Executive Summary and 21 charts and tables.