A new report from the Commission on the National Defense Strategy warns that the U.S. military is unprepared for a significant war, citing growing threats from China and Russia. The report, released in July, highlights several critical issues that undermine the U.S. military’s ability to respond effectively to these threats.
Key problems include outdated business practices within the Department of Defense (DOD), reliance on old military equipment, and complicated research methods. These factors, rooted in a past era of uncontested military dominance, are inadequate for today’s strategic challenges.
“The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945,” the report states. It further explains that the U.S. has not been prepared for a global conflict since the end of the Cold War.
The report emphasizes that China’s military investments over the past two decades have significantly reduced the U.S. military advantage in the Western Pacific. China’s defense spending is estimated at $711 billion annually, with a recent 7.2% increase in their defense budget. Additionally, Russia and China have deepened their partnership, including military and economic collaborations with Iran and North Korea, posing a substantial threat to U.S. interests.
Recent recruitment shortfalls in the U.S. military have led to decreased numbers in the Army, Air Force, and Navy, further weakening defense capabilities. The report also criticizes the U.S. defense industrial base for being unable to meet the equipment and technology needs of the military and its allies.
To address these issues, the report recommends that Congress, the DOD, and other agencies collaborate to rewrite laws and regulations that hinder innovation and procurement. It also suggests new measures to promote joint efforts, strengthen the DOD workforce, and enhance national security authorities.
The report calls for increased coordination with allies to boost industrial capacity and remove barriers to information-sharing and coproduction. This approach is crucial to matching and deterring the integrated threats posed by adversaries like China and Russia.
In recent years, China’s growing economic, diplomatic, and military power has become a long-term challenge for the U.S. The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for significant changes to ensure the U.S. military is prepared for future conflicts.
