Quick Facts

• The Panel is composed of 20 national security and defense experts and retired senior military leaders. The secretary of defense nominated twelve members of the Panel, while the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee each nominated four members.
• USIP partnered with the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) and Logistics Management Institute (LMI). CNA and LMI provided logistical and intellectual support to facilitate the Panel’s work during its tenure.
• Panel members and support staff divided themselves into five sub-panel working groups. Sub-panel working groups focused on prospects for conflict in the 21st century, comprehensive approach capabilities, force structure and personnel, acquisition and contracting, and the national security strategic planning process.
• The Panel began its work in February of 2010, met six times in plenary over six months, and consulted with dozens of government officials and nongovernmental experts.