Quadrennial Defense Review: Future Reviews Could Benefit from Improved Department of Defense Analyses and Changes to Legislative Requirements

The Department of Defense DoD is required by law to conduct a comprehensive examination of the national defense strategy, force structure, modernization plans, infrastructure, and budget every 4 years, including an assessment of the force structure best suited to implement the defense strategy at a low-to-moderate level of risk. The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review QDR, completed in February 2006, represents the first comprehensive review that DoD has undertaken since U.S. military forces have been engaged in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. GAO was asked to assess the following 1 the strengths and weaknesses of DoDs approach and methodology for the 2006 QDR and 2 what changes, if any, in the QDR legislation could improve the usefulness of the report, including any changes that would better reflect 21st century security conditions. To conduct its review, GAO analyzed DoDs methodology, QDR study guidance, and results from key analyses and also obtained the views of defense analysts within and outside of DoD. GAO recommends that for future QDRs, DoD develop methods to conduct a more thorough analysis of force structure and risk. GAO is also providing options for Congress to consider to revise QDR legislation. DoD generally agreed with GAOs recommendations.