October 18, 2016

A Ready, Modern Force: Ready for Today, Prepared for Tomorrow

Experts from the CNAS Defense Strategies and Assessments Program participated in a panel discussion on defense spending. Senior Fellows Jerry Hendrix, Paul Scharre, and Elbridge Colby focused on maintaining readiness for today’s threats while modernizing the force for future challenges. The experts assumed a two percent increase in defense spending above PB17 levels – a realistic level given political dynamics. By investing in a diverse high-low mix of forces for the range of DoD missions, rather than attempting to field a one-size-fits-all “utility infielder” force, Hendrix, Scharre, and Colby modernized the force while maintaining capacity.


Download the Presentation
  • Commentary
    • Breaking Defense
    • October 21, 2024
    It’s Time for a True Industrial Strategy for American National Security

    For an industrial strategy to work, the president must make it a White House priority that pulls together all elements of national power....

    By Becca Wasser & Mara Rudman

  • Commentary
    • October 9, 2024
    Sharper: Allies and Partners

    Amid intensifying geopolitical challenges, the United States is finding new ways to address security issues by cultivating and strengthening alliances and partnerships. How ca...

    By Gwendolyn Nowaczyk & Charles Horn

  • Podcast
    • October 9, 2024
    How We Survive Ep 5: Wargames

    Dr. Ed McGrady, Adjunct Senior Fellow for the Defense Program at CNAS, joins the show to discuss how climate began to factor into humanitarian crisis war games as far back as ...

    By Dr. ED McGrady

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Affairs
    • October 8, 2024
    Wars Are Not Accidents

    The road to conflict is an action-reaction process. Leaders decide whether and how to respond to a rival’s moves, and they often search for ways to lower the temperature. Esca...

    By Erik Lin-Greenberg

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia