国防改革共识[20130603].pdf

Dear Secretary Hagel,Chairman Levin,Ranking Member Inhofe,Chairman McKeon,Ranking Member Smith,Chairman Durbin,Ranking Member Cochran,Chairman Young,and Ranking Member Visclosky:A striking bipartisan consensus exists today across the think tank community on the need for Pentagon and Congressional leaders to address the growing imbalances within the defense budget that threaten the health and long-term viability of Americas volunteer military.It is our shared belief that the Department of Defense urgently needs to close excess bases and facilities,reexamine the size and structure of the DoD civilian workforce,and reform military compensation.While we do not all agree on the best approach to reform in each case,we agree that if these issues are not addressed,they will gradually consume the defense budget from within.This will leave a smaller share of the budget to pay for the manning,training and equipping of our armed forces that make the U.S.military second to none.There is no shortage of useful ideas on how to begin addressing these pressing matters.The challenge has been getting Congress and the administration to admit change is required and take action.For example,many in Congre