Annual Report of the U.S. National Defense Strategy Commission

Key Chapter Title List

1. Introduction
2. Strategic Environment
3. Domestic Constraints and Vision for Success
4. Building a Whole-of-Nation Approach to Defense
5. Department of Defense Innovation in Technology, Concepts, and Methods
6. Force Size, Capabilities, and Posture
7. Defense Industrial Base and Defense Production
8. Personnel and Readiness
9. Resource Allocation

Document Introduction

The United States currently faces the most severe and complex national security challenges since 1945, including core issues such as intensifying great power competition, rising risks of multi-domain conflict, and the inadequacy of the defense system's adaptability. This final report, released by the U.S. Commission on National Defense Strategy in July 2024, aims to provide Congress and the President with a comprehensive assessment and reform recommendations for the 2022 National Defense Strategy, responding to profound changes in the global security environment.

The report systematically analyzes the core characteristics of the strategic environment: China, as a "pacing challenge," continues to catch up in military, economic, and technological fields; Russia, as a "persistent threat," is reconstituting its military and economic capabilities; the "malign partnership" formed by these two nations with Iran and North Korea exacerbates the risk of multi-front conflict. Simultaneously, security threats in cyberspace and space are becoming increasingly prominent, with U.S. domestic critical infrastructure facing unprecedented risks of attack, intertwining traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

At the domestic level, the report points out structural constraints such as the rigid bureaucratic system of the U.S. Department of Defense, cumbersome research and development procurement processes, a weak defense industrial base, and difficulties in personnel recruitment. Political gridlock and budgetary constraints in Congress further undermine the nation's ability to address security challenges. The report emphasizes that the current size, capabilities, and deployment posture of U.S. defense forces are insufficient to meet the demands of responding to simultaneous multi-domain conflicts, necessitating a shift from the concept of a "single major theater war" to a "multi-theater force architecture."

Based on extensive research and analysis (including in-depth consultations with defense departments, Congress, the private sector, allies, and experts), the report proposes a comprehensive reform path: building a "whole-of-nation" defense approach, integrating various resources such as military, diplomatic, economic, technological, and educational; accelerating technological innovation and organizational transformation within the Department of Defense, optimizing R&D and procurement processes; strengthening the defense industrial base, enhancing ammunition and equipment production capacity; expanding military force size, improving personnel recruitment and retention mechanisms; adjusting resource allocation, increasing defense and national security-related expenditures, while advancing tax and welfare system reforms to ensure fiscal sustainability.

The report particularly emphasizes that addressing current security challenges requires bipartisan consensus, cross-departmental collaboration, deep engagement from allies, and broad public support in the United States. Only through bold leadership, systemic reform, and sustained resource investment can the United States maintain strategic stability in great power competition, effectively deter conflict, win wars when necessary, and revitalize its global leadership and influence.