The Commission concludes that DoD faces an unclear future marked by rapid change, diverse contingencies, limited budgets and a broad range of missions to support evolving national security policies. Providing military capabilities that operate effectively together to meet future challenges is the common purpose of the military services, defense agencies, and other DoD elements. The context has changed significantly since the 1948 Key West Agreement about who should do what in the U.S. military. To be successful, they must select from an array of capabilities and mold them into a unified force. The Commissioners determined there is a need to extend this concept further into the Department by focusing management and decision-making processes, and support structures, more effectively on unified military operations.
Major recommendations fall into three broad areas.
The CINCs' influence should be expanded regarding some of the Department's decision-making processes that affect weapons systems development and acquisition, and theater support systems, such as communications, logistics and intelligence. The Commission also recommends integrating the management of military and intelligence space activities and assigning the Air Force primary responsibility for acquisition and operation of jointly used space systems. The Services should be focused on training and providing forces and support for unified military operations in both the short and long term. Reserve components should be restructured to better match operational needs, and they should be sized, equipped, and trained to meet the needs of the CINCs' war and contingency plans. The Commission also recommends increased attention by the Government and DoD to new mission priorities.