PNSR praises the Recommendations of the Pentagon's Quadrennial Roles and Mission Review
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- PNSR Executive Director James R. Locher
III applauds the analysis and recommendations in the Defense Department's
Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review Report. He is encouraged that the
Defense Department has affirmed several key themes and recommendations
illustrated by the Project on National Security Reform’s recently released
report entitled, Forging a New Shield.
The DOD report adds strength to a growing chorus of government leaders, think
tanks, and academics calling for a new integrative and collaborative approach
to securing our nation. Both the Project’s report and DOD’s report
recognize the urgent need for strategic planning and guidance at the national
level. The Project has recommended National Security Planning Guidance to
be issued annually by the President. Likewise, the DOD report urges “a
whole-of-government strategic planning document that outlines national
objectives, priorities and specific actions for improving interagency
coordination and operational planning.”
Additionally, the Project’s report identified the need for new funding,
budgetary, and oversight processes that account not only for departmental
capabilities, but national missions and outcomes. The DOD report
similarly finds that, “Funding and authorities dedicated solely to individual
agencies may not be sufficient to ensure that the activities of multiple agencies
are fully integrated and that all seam issues between organizations are
addressed.”
Locher was encouraged by the release of the DOD report. “With the release of
the QRM, Secretary Gates has again demonstrated leadership that transcends
parochial interests for the sake of national interests,” said Locher. He
added the U.S. needs more visionaries, willing to pursue a new national
security system that is aligned with the modern security environment.
“Our country is wearing concrete shoes in a security environment that demands
speed and agility,” said Locher. “The need for fundamental reform is
urgent and the consequences of inaction are dire.”
The Project has gained the attention of many Washington insiders as several
members of the PNSR Guiding Coalition members were recently appointed to senior
positions in the Obama Administration, including National Security Advisor
General Jim Jones and Director of National Intelligence Admiral Denny Blair.
James Locher is available for interviews to discuss the PNSR recommendations.
PNSR is a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization funded by Congress,
foundations and corporations to carry out a comprehensive examination of the
U.S. national security system. For more information, visit www.pnsr.org
