Rethinking America's Joint Force: Strength and Credibility in a Constrained Fiscal Environment

Abstract

In today's constrained fiscal environment, we must “re-mission” a smaller, more interdependent Joint Force with an emphasis on capability rather than capacity. America's military is primarily intended to defend the nation from attack, prevent and deter war, and when required, to win decisively in operations ranging from low-end irregular warfare through high-end conventional warfare. In this century, our nation's economic strength, values, and credible influence will play as much a role in sustaining our security and prosperity as will military power. Working closely with other departments of the government as well as with partners and allies, the Department of Defense must rely on three key stakeholders—Congress, the service chiefs, and the combatant commanders—to shape a strong and adaptive military. Rather than focusing on traditional ends, ways, and means, this article addresses the “concept, form, and function” our Joint Force should pursue in support of the National Security Strategy.