The Avascent Group

Preparing for the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review: Rebalancing the U.S. Defense Portfolio

March 4 2009

Defense Secretary Robert Gates intends to force a significant reordering of defense investment priorities.  For over a year, Gates has indicated his belief that the Defense Department must field a different mix of capabilities than currently planned. While Gates’ actions suggest a variety of objectives that could gain prominence in the coming Quadrennial Defense Review and the fiscal year 2010 and 2011 budgets, the touchstone of the Secretary’s campaign has been “balance.”

At its heart, balance implies a greater commitment to supporting irregular warfare and stability operations at the expense of investment in advanced conventional capabilities. For leaders on Capitol Hill and in industry, this shift carries the threat of cuts to major programs, even as it creates new, albeit ill-defined opportunities elsewhere.

Author(s): Doug Berenson