CIAO DATE: 12/2011
October 2011
Project on Defense Alternatives
The post-Cold War evolution of the Pentagon’s mission set is problematic in terms of cost, effects, and effectiveness. Taken together these indicate that the present balance among security instruments is not a cost-effective one. This argues for returning to an emphasis on more traditional and reliable crisis response, defense, deterrence, and conflict resolution tasks. This would allow a significant reduction in both the size and activity level of our armed forces. Their activity would become more focused and their goals more discrete, determinate, and realistic.
Resource link: The Pentagon's New Mission Set: A Sustainable Choice? [PDF] - 127K