Two Cheers for the Independent QDR Review Panel

Defense News has had a look at an advance copy of the Congressionally-mandated Independent QDR Review Panel report which will be briefed to Congress this week by its study leads.

There's apparently a lot here to like--criticism of DoD's (lack of a) force planning construct, some goodness on reforming the National Security decision making and planning apparatus, and what can only be seen as a rebuke to the QDR drafters for its lack of effort in the 15-20 year view.

Most heart-warming of all for this navalist is the clarion call to grow the Navy.  That this independent, bi-partisan review panel came to a conclusion many of us support doesn't make it right or self-evident, but it sure does add some weight.

What did "growing the Navy" cost--bureaucratically--within the Panel?  I suspect that the support of land forces folks was purchased with the report's recommendation to support current force levels in the Army and Marine Corps.  Which brings us to my primary criticism of this report--that it doesn't make (or advocate) strategic choices. As defense spending is increasingly pressurized by a sputtering economy and other priorities, this report advocates growing the Navy (and Air Force) and enshrining the surge-inspired growth in land forces.  I suspect that this will not be taken seriously by the White House or the Congress.

But all in all, the QDR Review Panel did an able job.  I hope to link to an online version when I find it.

Here it is, supplied in the comments!

Bryan McGrath