A Framework for Defense Planning

This report presents an approach to strengthening the U.S. defense planning process. The approach centers on a simple but rigorous framework that links official statements of national security and national military strategy and the operational capabilities of force elements to programs for developing and procuring military systems and services. The author recommends adopting a force-planning procedure that includes the following elements: 1) an operational focus, 2) guidance to Department of Defense components in operational terms, 3) discussion at the level of force elements rather than systems and hardware, 4) developing outlines of capability goals, 5) the allocation of resources to best overall effect. Keywords: Defense planning; National security; Military strategy.