Dr. Al-Jufairi, K.’s Post

Important report on National Defense Strategy. Thanks Becca Wasser for sharing and your important work! #defensetech #nationalsecurity

The Commission on the National Defense Strategy released its final report, and it is a must-read. I couldn't agree more with the assessment that the U.S. is facing threats greater than any time since World War II and more complex than the Cold War, when it required our military to be able to execute a two-war strategy.    The Commission’s Chairwoman Jane Harman said, “We believe there needs to be fundamental change in the way the Pentagon and government agencies do business, plus a robust incorporation of technology and the tech sector, and full embrace of the capabilities of our partners and allies.”   We need to update the National Defense Strategy and force sizing approach to be able to credibly deter conflicts; if deterrence fails, our military needs to be able to fight and win at least two major theatre conflicts on a near simultaneous basis, as I have advocated for consistently. The American taxpayers and our warfighters deserve better results for the dollars we spend (and get more bang for the buck). It's essential we upgrade the strategy, and the Pentagon needs to spend its dollars smarter.   https://lnkd.in/e53KbH6K

Just beginning to digest the newest Rand Report on U.S. National Defense Strategy. Look forward to insights and recommendations for future warfare and organizational constructs. https://lnkd.in/gNNWQ5A3

I've read several news articles this week summarizing a report published by Rand and conducted by the Commission on the National Defense Strategy. In each news article I found at least one statement that I believe incorrectly interpreted the report's findings. If this is a topic you are interested in, I encourage you to read (or speed read) the Rand report itself. Read the summary, chapters 1 and 2 for sure, then whatever else is of interest. Some will say it sensationalizes global US military risk. But at a minimum, its good background on the geo-political / geo-military international construct the US finds itself in. Just skip the news articles; read the report.

This a great read and gives a pretty grave assessment. "The United States faces the most challenging global environment with the most severe ramifications since the end of the Cold War. The trends are getting worse, not better." "Fundamental shifts in threats and technology require fundamental change in how DoD functions. DoD is operating at the speed of bureaucracy when the threat is approaching wartime urgency." "U.S. industrial production is grossly inadequate to provide the equipment, technology, and munitions needed today, let alone given the demands of great power conflict." "The DoD workforce and the all-volunteer force provide an unmatched advantage. However, recruiting failures have shrunk the force and raise serious questions about the all-volunteer force in peacetime, let alone in major combat. The civilian workforces at DoD and in the private sector also face critical shortfalls." "The Joint Force is at the breaking point of maintaining readiness today. Adding more burden without adding resources to rebuild readiness will cause it to break." https://lnkd.in/ggYyQ4nm

Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET, the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security’s Forward Defense initiative will host a hybrid fireside chat featuring former Congresswoman Jane Harman and former Ambassador Eric Edelman, the co-chairs of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy (NDS). The discussion will focus on the Commission’s key findings and recommendations, which was established by Congress to assess the 2022 NDS and identify the most pressing national security challenges facing the United States. In their conversation, Harman and Edelman will delve into the Commission’s report, which emphasizes the growing threats posed by China and Russia and the need for the United States to adopt a “Multiple Theater Force Construct.” This approach is designed to defend the homeland, deter adversaries, and, if necessary, defeat simultaneous threats across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. With a new administration on the horizon, the Commission’s insights are crucial in shaping the future of US defense policy and the next National Defense Strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from two of the leading figures in defense policy as they share their perspectives on the future of US defense in an increasingly complex global environment. Register here: https://bit.ly/3BiHnmI #ForwardDefense #DefenseStrategy #NDS #ScowcroftCenter

The recently released FY25 Defense Budget Request outlines key priorities that resonate with my military and civilian careers in financial management and budget. Here's a breakdown focusing on modernization, readiness, and personnel support: Modernization Initiatives: The budget proposes significant investments in new technologies and platforms. This includes advancements in cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and procuring next-generation weapon systems. These efforts underscore a strategic pivot towards addressing the evolving threat landscape and ensuring the U.S. military maintains its technological edge. Enhancing Readiness: The request prioritizes readiness and allocating funds for training, maintenance, and operations. This ensures that our forces remain versatile, responsive, and prepared for various operational scenarios. As someone who has served on active duty and in the reserves, I understand the critical importance of sustained readiness to meet any challenge. Support for Military and Civilian Personnel: Reflecting on my time with the DHA and other defense agencies, I am particularly attentive to the budget's commitment to supporting our military and civilian workforce. This includes proposed pay raises and investments in healthcare, housing, and family support programs, which are vital for the well-being and morale of our defense community. I've seen firsthand how budget allocations impact operational capabilities and personnel welfare. The FY25 Budget Request, focusing on modernization, readiness, and support, lays a foundation for addressing future challenges while caring for those who serve. As we continue to analyze and implement this budget, we must remember that these figures are not just numbers—they represent our commitment to national security and the individuals dedicated to our nation's defense.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀! "The U.S. military lacks both the capabilities and the capacity required to be confident it can deter and prevail in combat." "the U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) is unable to meet the equipment, technology, and munitions needs of the United States..." "The biggest barrier to effectiveness is...not defense spending. It is a crushing bureaucratic managerialism that, in so many overlapping ways, drains the lifeblood from U.S. defense endeavors.” (!!!) Y'all had the tools, policies, mandates, the clear and present need, BUT not the leadership! The thinking stays the same, the outcomes get worse while the egos get bigger. It is sad to watch this Nation being parasitically eaten from the inside out. This type of extreme decadence (self-indulgent, in a state of decline) rarely ends well. Might it be time to get your heads in the game?! #DoD #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #Spaceforce #SupportTheTroops Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment House Armed Services Committee Democrats House Armed Services Committee Republicans United States Department of Defense Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition Army Futures Command United States Senate Committee on Armed Services Defense News Defense Acquisition University

'The Commission on the National Defense Strategy, a bi-partisan group of eight individuals authorized by Congress to examine the national defense strategy of the United States, released its findings in July of this year... ...The commission’s findings are alarming and should serve as a wake-up call for America: “The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war. The United States last fought a global conflict during World War II, which ended nearly 80 years ago. The nation was last prepared for such a fight during the Cold War, which ended 35 years ago. It is not prepared today.”... ...In its findings, the commission says that Defense Department (DoD) business practices; byzantine research and development (R&D) and procurement systems; reliance on decades-old military hardware; and a culture of risk avoidance reflect an era of uncontested military dominance. DoD leaders and Congress must replace a risk-averse organization with one that’s able to build and field the force the U.S. needs.' https://lnkd.in/geA4ap83

As our nation approaches the budgeting decisions for Fiscal Year 2025, it is crucial that key lawmakers prioritize and pass an adequate and timely budget to support the National Guard and our broader defense budget. The security environment we face today is fraught with complex and evolving threats, both at home and abroad. Our uniformed services, including the National Guard, stand as a critical line of defense in this dynamic global landscape. Now, more than ever, their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to these challenges depends on the financial support they receive from Congress. Despite these immense international pressures, the National Guard and U.S. military remain equally indispensable on the home front. The National Guard, in particular, has provided essential support during times of national emergency, from natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods to public health crises. Whether it was rescuing families from rising floodwaters or delivering critical medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Guard has consistently demonstrated its ability to serve the American people, without fail or delay. Our men and women in uniform need access to the best training, equipment, and resources to remain capable of meeting these challenges. Ensuring a robust defense budget is about funding today’s operations and is an investment in the long-term security of the United States. An underfunded or delayed budget risks not only undermining ongoing missions but also jeopardizing the future preparedness of our forces to respond to emerging threats. The security environment of today is unpredictable, and our uniformed services must have the resources to adapt to any contingency. A failure to pass a timely and sufficient budget could have catastrophic consequences. Delays in funding would mean delays in critical operations, hinder our national security posture, and put our allies and the global order at risk. Our uniformed services answer the call to protect our nation at all hours, in every corner of the world, and through some of the most trying circumstances. It is incumbent upon lawmakers to ensure they are adequately funded to continue this essential mission. Congress needs to recognize the importance of a fully funded defense budget for Fiscal Year 2025 and to act swiftly in passing it. The stakes are too high to delay or underfund our national defense. In these uncertain times, the United States must remain vigilant. A well-funded defense is not a luxury but a necessity. Our service members deserve the support that will allow them to protect our nation and our way of life. https://lnkd.in/ezUqZBjm Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States ( EANGUS ) The National Guard Association of the United States NGAUS Social Media National Guard Association of the United States Company Grade Officer Committee Association of the United States Army - AUSA