Download

Download Full Text (317 KB)

Description

This Strategic Forum analyzes the institutional challenges facing strategic decisionmaking within the U.S. Department of Defense and proposes reforms to improve how senior leaders make and support decisions. It highlights how existing processes — designed to be rational and methodical — are often undermined by bureaucratic stovepipes, consensus-oriented products, and limited integration of analytic support. The paper argues for the creation of a dedicated Decision Support Cell reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense to provide integrated rational analyses and to enhance intuitive decisionmaking through exercises and shared experience. By clarifying baseline assumptions, improving cross-bureaucratic collaboration, and balancing rational and intuitive elements, the proposed reforms aim to elevate the quality and coherence of strategic choices in peace and war. Effective decision support is framed as essential to aligning strategic agenda, planning, and resource allocation across the Pentagon.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

United States

Topic(s)

Defense Policy, Leadership, Future Strategic Concepts

Publication Date

7-2006

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

Pentagon strategic decisionmaking reform, Department of Defense decision support, Strategic decision support cell, DoD strategic governance, rational vs. intuitive decision processes, senior leader decisionmaking challenges, Quadrennial Defense Review implication, Bureaucratic reform DoD

Reforming Pentagon Strategic Decisionmaking

Share

COinS