This study examines important changes in U.S. defense planning unveiled by the Department of Defense (DOD) during 2012 and early 2013. Through a series of strategic and operational documents DOD has put forth an interlocking set of changes that placed greater emphasis on the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, created a new force-sizing construct, adopted new operational concepts, trimmed the U.S. force structure and defense budget, and called for enhanced cooperation with global partners. These strategies and concepts were developed under to the levels of the FY13 Defense budget submission and are carried forth in the FY14 Defense budget submission. This study describes these changes, evaluates them, and addresses the challenges of implementation. In particular, it recommends that DOD 'double down' in its pursuit of globally integrated operations through joint force integration in the context of the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations and the cross-domain synergy needed to operate effectively in the face of sophisticated adversaries. These are likely to be important in any strategic context. This study's conclusions and recommendations are not altered by DOD's budget request in FY14, though effective implementation will be more challenging.

Preface -- Executive summary -- Introduction : Seeing DOD's Complex Agenda as a Whole -- 1. A strategic shift of six interacting parts -- 2. Pursuing new regional priorities and defense missions -- 3. Implementing a new force-sizing construct and a smaller, rebalanced force posture -- 4. Shaping joint force 2020 for globally integrated operations -- 5. Preparing to counter anti-access/area-denial threats -- 6. Building cooperative relationships with allies and partners, and strengthening NATO -- 7. Preparing for reduced defense budgets and constrained modernization spending -- 8. Handling key strategic issues : the need for careful evaluation and wise actions -- Conclusion and Recommendations : Pursuing implementation plans energetically -- Conventional military trends in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Persian Gulf.