James S. Thomason
Published: 1998
Total Pages: 181
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Between November 1996 and May 1997, DoD conducted a wide-ranging review of strategy, programs, and resources, entitled the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). While the QDR was ultimately mandated by Congress, senior DoD leadership had already been planning such a review, having earlier accepted a recommendation along these lines by the 1994-95 Commission on Roles and Missions of the Armed Forces of the United States (CORM). This paper was commissioned by OSD (A & T) and OSD (PA & E) after QDR-97 was completed in order to provide DoD with an independent review of that process and to identify lessons to strengthen the next review, tentatively scheduled for 2001. Through an analysis of ODR documents, confidential interviews with over 60 QDR participants from very senior levels to study panel members, and discussions with nearly as many other experts in defense and process management, 8 lessons are derived for DoD to consider: (1) prepare early and broadly for the next QDR; (2) engage major players early; (3) seek ways for the Secretary to lead from the start; (4) establish a small, strong leadership/integration group from the start of the QODR; (5) provide early, clear guidance; (6) establish vigorous but fair competition of ideas and approaches; (7) focus on capabilities as much as possible; (8) link the QDR to the PPBS in three major ways. Specific implementing recommendations accompany these lessons.