Pentagon's quadrennial review found lacking
The Defense Department's 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review succeeded in laying out a broad military strategy, but failed to offer a detailed analysis that could be useful in making future budget decisions, according to a new General Accounting Office report.
"On the positive side, the review was enhanced by the sustained involvement of the Secretary of Defense and other senior department officials," GAO officials concluded in the report, (GAO-03-13). "In addition, it led to the adoption of a new defense strategy that underscores the need to transform the force to meet future threats and adopt more efficient business practices."
But auditors found several weaknesses in the QDR process, saying the Pentagon delayed the start of the review by several months until other strategic reviews were completed; failed to consider certain topics required by Congress (including the reform of Defense agencies); and did not take a detailed look at the long-term structure of U.S. forces.
The QDR is a detailed planning blueprint that that the Defense Department is required by law to produce every four years. In the review, the Pentagon lays out the equipment, personnel, and infrastructure needed for executing the national military strategy. The review process is closely followed by the defense industry, because lawmakers use the QDR's recommendations for shaping the Defense Department's spending. The Bush administration's first QDR was sent to Congress Sept. 30, 2001.
GAO recommended that lawmakers consider moving the deadline for delivering a president's first QDR to Congress from the first Sept. 30 of his or her term to provide more time for analysis. Two options are under consideration: Delaying the deadline until the second February of a president's term, and putting off the report by up to a year. "Each option would also better support DoD's planning and budget cycle," GAO said.
Henry Hinton, the Pentagon's managing director for defense capabilities and management, said GAO fairly characterized the strengths of the QDR report, but argued that the Defense secretary should have more flexibility in deciding what issues to study. Hinton also agreed the deadline for the QDR should be extended.
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