The Commission on the National Defense Strategy was established by Congress to review and make recommendations with respect to the U.S. National Defense Strategy.  (Public Law 117-81, Section 1095)

The Commission is part of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government and is required to issue a final report to the Congress and the President by November 26, 2024. 

The Commission has eight members, each with significant defense and national security expertise.  You can find more information about the Commissioners here.

By statute, the Commission’s report shall include:

(A) An appraisal of the strategic environment, including an examination of the traditional and non-traditional threats to the United States, and the potential for conflicts arising from such threats and security challenges.

(B) An evaluation of the strategic objectives of the Department of Defense for near-peer competition in support of the national security interests of the United States.

(C) A review of the military missions for which the Department of Defense should prepare, including missions that support the interagency and a whole-of-government strategy.    

(D) Identification of any gaps or redundancies in the roles and missions assigned to the Armed Forces necessary to carry out military missions identified in subparagraph (C), as well as the roles and capabilities provided by other Federal agencies and by allies and international partners.    

(E) An assessment of how the national defense strategy leverages other elements of national power across the interagency to counter near- peer competitors.

(F) An evaluation of the resources necessary to support the strategy, including budget recommendations.    

(G) An examination of the  Department’s efforts to develop new and innovative  operational concepts to enable the United States to more  effectively counter near-peer competitors.    

(H)  An analysis of the force planning construct, including—

(i) the size and shape of the force;

(ii) the posture, structure, and capabilities of the force;

(iii) the readiness of the force

(iv) infrastructure and organizational adjustments to the force;

(v) modifications to personnel requirements, including professional military education; and

(vi) other elements of the defense program necessary to support the strategy.    

(I) An assessment of the risks associated with the strategy, including the relationships and tradeoffs between missions, risks, and resources.    

(J) Any other elements the Commission considers appropriate.

The Commission is receiving administrative and analytic support from the RAND Corporation.