Quadrennial Defense

Quadrennial Defense

Answer question with an essay of 1300 words +/- 15% (i.e., between 1100 and 1500 words).

Question Two: Analyze the most recent Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR, February 2010) and QDR Independent Panel (July 2010) reports. Based on this analysis, prepare an essay that specifically covers and elaborates on each of the following:

To what degree does each of the documents provide effective guidance and/or contributions to improving unified direction and action towards DOD mission accomplishment?

From either or both documents, identify and justify the two or three major recommendations or initiatives that, in your opinion, should be of highest priority for DOD to implement in order to improve unified direction and/or unified action. If you believe any of these require further modification, elaborate as appropriate.

From either or both documents, identify the two or three major recommendations or initiatives that, in your opinion, would be of lowest priority for DOD to implement from a unified direction and/or unified action perspective. Elaborate as appropriate regarding why you believe they would be of lowest priority in this regard and/or if you believe any of these recommendations would actually hinder unified direction and/or unified action if DOD were to implement them.

Course Author Guidance for Answering Question Two:

Title 10, U. S. Code, Section 118 provides the legal basis for the QDR as well as for its subsequent review by both the CJCS as well as by a SecDef-selected Independent Panel. You have, in fact, already studied significant portions of the February 2010 QDR report as part of your work for DE2207. For the independent review of this QDR, Congress specifically mandated (see House Resolution 2647, Section 1061) that the panel consist of eight additional members (selected by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees) and that it take on specific additional duties beyond those that 10 USC 118 outlines. As you will see in the Block 2 lesson on the QDR, the Independent Panel report (which some are referring to as an "alternative QDR" or with similar wording) reflects significant concerns regarding shortcomings in the QDR report itself. Block 2 will include other sources that comment on either or both reports that you may wish to use. However, the two reports themselves (found in Block 2), along with the other resources in Block 1, will be sufficient to answer the question. This question provides the opportunity to reflect your professional opinion (not just a regurgitation of the facts/readings/opinions of others), based on a comprehension of the fundamentals of joint doctrine as well as an understanding of the most significant strategic guidance and direction publications, regarding the above questions. As always, cite all references and sources.

IMPORTANT GUIDANCE FOR BOTH QUESTIONS

An acceptable answer to either question above will reflect that you have studied the required materials in Block 1 regarding unified action and unified direction, as well as Block 2 materials including the most significant strategic guidance and direction publications (towards which proper unified action and unified direction must aim), the UCP, ...