Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 03/2013

Reasonable Defense: A Sustainable Approach to Securing the Nation

Carl Conetta

November 2012

Project on Defense Alternatives

Abstract

Argues for a new balance among the various instruments of national power reflecting today’s strategic conditions. Taking a realistic view of security needs, the report advocates a military 20% smaller than today’s. It advances a “discriminate defense” strategy that would focus the military on cost-effective missions and save $550 billion more than official plans over the next decade. Main report includes 9 tables. Appendix has 18 additional tables and charts addressing personnel, force structure, and budgets.