Defense Projects: Federal Role

After a half century, the Department of Defense is involved in a transformation. The changes are intended to streamline the DoD operations and to use its people, its most important asset, in the most effective manner possible. An emphasis on flexibility, maneuverability, and interoperability is also apparent in the creation of the Special Operations component.

DoD is continuing several concurrent operations, such as Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), and Operation Noble Eagle (air operations over U.S. metropolitan areas). These are all a result of the War on Terrorism. The Department of Defense must work hand-in-hand with the Department of State and the newly-established Department of Homeland Security.

The federal government allocates approximately 15% of its budget to defense, $400 billion annually. DoD employs more than 3.25 million people, including the National Guard and Reserve forces. Its presence is global: DoD operates in 150 countries, in every time zone and climate, and manages thousands of sites and hundreds of thousands of individual buildings. The sheer size of the Department, combined with the gravity of its evolving responsibilities, demands that it be managed and provided for completely and effectively. Ensuring that this takes place is the role of the Congressional Defense Authorization and Appropriation Committees.

The Defense Authorization and Appropriation Committees have long scrutinized military programs, resulting in a complex prioritization process for military spending. The Members of these Committees are forward-thinking and committed to bringing the latest in technologies and equipment to the armed forces. The defense industrial base is a partner in this process, facilitating the introduction of capabilities to the people who can bring these products and services to the military.