,,Strategic Issues and Options for the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR)

Strategic Issues and Options for the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR)


 

Publication Date: January 1997

Publisher: RAND Corporation

Author(s): Richard Hillestad; Richard L. Kugler; Paul K. Davis

Research Area: Military and defense

Type: Brief

Abstract:

This briefing develops and examines a wide range of strategic options for the defense program and posture. It evaluates them in a new planning framework that considers options for their contributions to contingency capability, environment shaping, and strategic adaptiveness. The options developed range from evolutionary development of the current forces to options involving substantial reengineering to exploit U.S. technological strengths and embrace various features of the revolution in military affairs (RMA). Implications are drawn about principles for force sizing, preparing for next-century operations, addressing "Achilles' heels" in U.S. defense capabilities, working with allies, and shaping the security environment.