Thiscomprehensive assessment could profoundly effect the nation's ability to carry out its national security strategy inthe new millennium. Its most significant contributions includedsuggestions that DoD undertake a major quadrennial strategy review and thatthe Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff develop a clear vision for future joint operations. The Military Force Structure Review Act of 1996 established the independent National Defense Panel (NDP) as a forum to review the results of the 1997 QDR. (10)
The purpose of the 2001 QDR as stated in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 is to1) delineate a military strategy consistent with the most recent NationalSecurity Strategy (11) , 2) define the defense programsto successfully execute the full range of missions assigned the military by that strategy, and 3) identify the budgetplan necessary tosuccessfully execute those missions at a low-to-moderate level of risk. Timing of the QDR.
The congressionally mandated Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) directs DoD toundertake a wide-ranging review of strategy, programs,and resources. Specifically, the QDR is expected to delineate a national defense strategy consistent with the mostrecent National Security Strategy by defining force structure,modernization plans, and a budget plan allowing the military to successfully execute the full range of missionswithin that strategy. The report will include an evaluation by theSecretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the military's ability to successfully execute itsmissions at a low-to-moderate level of risk within the forecast budgetplan. The results of the 2001 QDR could well shape U.S. strategy and force structure in coming years. This reportwill be updated as future events warrant.