On February 9, POLITICO published an article titled “Lloyd Austin takes first steps to repair a battered Pentagon.” In this piece, Forward Defense and Transatlantic Security Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow Kathleen J. McInnis was quoted on the state of civil-military relations during the Trump administration, noting the erosion of civilian oversight that took place at the Pentagon.
A preponderance of evidence suggests that over the past decade, OSD’s ability to perform [its civilian] mission has been degraded due to headquarters reductions, budget cuts, furloughs, and the failure to appoint and confirm civilian leaders … As a result, tasks and issues migrated to the joint staff.
Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.
