Published: 2001
Total Pages: 11
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For the past several years, the General Accounting Office (GAO) has reviewed the Department of Defenses (DOD) efforts to strategically plan for the nations defense needs and prepare related budgets. In particular, we evaluated DODs methodology for conducting the 1993 Bottom-Up Review and the 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), and its preparation of several Future Years Defense Programs (FYDP). As the Department begins a new effort to review its strategic priorities, consider alternatives to current forces, weapons programs, and support operations, and reach investment decisions, we would like to share some observations based on our past work for your consideration. In particular, these areas relate to the importance of 1) using realistic assumptions and integrated analyses to reach force structure and modernization decisions, 2) preparing FYDPs that clearly link strategy and resources, and 3) ensuring the Departments review efforts carefully scrutinize opportunities to reduce support infrastructure and improve business processes.