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Your search for Defense Policy found 255 results.

Feasibility of Parental Leave

/analyses/2019/07/feasibility-of-parental-leave

This study examines the implications of offering service members noncontinuous caregiver leave (to care for infants or newly adopted children). House Report 115-676 directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report assessing the feasibility of flexible parental leave. Policy subject matter experts and commanders across the Department of Defense provided key policy and operational implications. Before implementing a noncontinuous caregiver leave policy, we recommend (1) identifying the needs that can be satisfied by noncontinuous caregiver leave that are not met by other time-off options, (2) considering various types of flexible policies, and (3) assessing the benefits and drawbacks from two recent applications of noncontinuous caregiver leave (2015–2016 Department of the Navy policy and the current US Coast Guard parental leave policy). Taken together, these recommendations will increase the likelihood that any policy change will meet service member needs while balancing mission requirements.

(to care for infants or newly adopted children). House Report 115-676 directed the Secretary of Defense to submit a report assessing the feasibility of flexible parental leave. Policy subject matter experts and commanders across the Department of Defense provided key policy and operational implications. Before implementing a noncontinuous caregiver leave policy, we recommend (1) identifying the needs ... of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, addresses feasibility in terms of implications for policy and operational readiness. We address the question, What would happen if the parental leave policy were changed

Service Level Differences in Tuition Assistance

/analyses/2021/04/service-level-differences-in-tuition-assistance

Tuition Assistance (TA) is the primary education benefit that the Department of Defense (DOD) provides to Service members to ease the financial burdens of continuing education while serving in the military. A 2017 CNA study revealed several Service-level differences in Service members’ TA use and TA outcomes. In this study, we use qualitative methods to identify possible reasons for these differences. Synthesizing our analysis of existing policy, discussions with subject matter experts (SMEs), and focus groups in all four Services, we find that variation across the Services in TA policy, TA understanding, occupational responsibilities and operational tempo (OPTEMPO), as well as support from senior leaders and immediate supervisors is likely the primary driver of these Service-level differences. We suggest that DOD standardize TA policy, the financial TA benefit, and the content and delivery of TA messaging. We also encourage the Services to ensure TA buy-in from senior leadership and counsel Service members on effective TA use.

that the Department of Defense (DOD) provides to Service members to ease the financial burdens of continuing education while serving in the military. A 2017 CNA study revealed several Service-level differences in Service members’ TA use and TA outcomes. In this study, we use qualitative methods to identify possible reasons for these differences. Synthesizing our analysis of existing policy, discussions with subject matter experts (SMEs), and focus groups in all four Services, we find that variation across the Services in TA policy, TA understanding, occupational responsibilities and operational

Evaluating Suitability Across Services

/analyses/2020/10/evaluating-suitability-across-services

This report focuses on two distinct, but related topics: enlistment waivers and entry-level separations. The waiver process recognizes that some young people have made mistakes and overcome their past behavior or have had a medical condition that warrants review. A one-time incident or issue may not accurately reflect the character or potential for someone to serve. ELS length and administrative separation policies provide an orderly means to discharge those found to be unsuitable to serve. In this light, two offices within the OSD–Personnel and Readiness (the Offices of the Under Secretary of Defense for Accession Policy (AP) and Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management (OEPM)) asked CNA to evaluate the Services’ policies, practices, and successes for determining suitability for service at accession (enlistment waivers) and in service (ELS length and reasons for early separation). In this second of two reports, we 1) determine the probability of, and reasons for, separation among those who access with enlistment waivers, 2) examine the arguments for and against extending ELS, as well as inconsistencies in ELS separation reasons, and 3) make recommendations.

an orderly means to discharge those found to be unsuitable to serve. In this light, two offices within the OSD–Personnel and Readiness (the Offices of the Under Secretary of Defense for Accession Policy (AP ... , and by emphasizing honorable service. In this light, two offices within OSD Personnel and Readiness (P&R)—the Offices of the Under Secretary of Defense for Accession Policy (AP) and Officer ... waivers, 2) examine the arguments for and against extending ELS, as well as inconsistencies in ELS separation reasons, and 3) make recommendations. As the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) seeks

Future Policy Options for US Efforts Against Al Qaeda

/analyses/2017/future-policy-options-for-us-efforts-against-al-qaeda

In its independent assessment of U.S. government efforts against Al-Qaeda that was mandated by Congress via the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), CNA concluded that the current U.S. strategy toward Al-Qaeda was unlikely to achieve its stated goals to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat the group. CNA recommended that the U.S. government should undertake a new review of its policy goals and overarching strategy against Al-Qaeda. This occasional paper presents three potential policy options for the U.S. government to consider, should it seek to undertake such a review. These options are retrenchment, escalation, and containment.

policy options for the U.S. government to consider, should it seek to undertake such a review. These options are retrenchment, escalation, and containment. Section 1228 of the 2015 National Defense ... Future Policy Options for US Efforts Against Al Qaeda Future Policy Options for U.S. Efforts Against Al-Qaeda In its independent assessment of U.S. government efforts against Al-Qaeda that was mandated by Congress via the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), CNA concluded that the current U.S. strategy toward Al-Qaeda was unlikely to achieve its stated goals to disrupt, dismantle

CNA’s Dynamic Decision Model for Servicemember Retention

/quick-looks/2021/dynamic-decision-model

CNA’s retention models have helped the Department of Defense make personnel policy choices for more than half a century. This work has culminated in a retention model with the flexibility to evaluate the widest possible range of policy options: the Dynamic Decision Model (DDM).

Dynamic Decision Model CNA’s retention models have helped the Department of Defense make personnel policy choices for more than half a century. This work has culminated in a retention model with the flexibility to evaluate the widest possible range of policy options: the Dynamic Decision Model (DDM). CNA’s retention models have helped the Department of Defense make personnel policy choices for more than half a century. This work has culminated in a retention model with the flexibility to evaluate the widest possible range of policy options: the Dynamic Decision Model (DDM). CNA’s DDM

Homeland Defense Role of the US Navy

/analyses/2021/08/homeland-defense-role-of-the-us-navy

In the late 1990s, the US national security policy community was debating the role of the US Navy in coastal warfare and continental defense. The author of this paper sought to contribute to this emerging debate by examining the US Navy's contribution to these aspects of homeland defense over time.

Homeland Defense Role of the US Navy The Homeland Defense Role of the US Navy In the late 1990s, the US national security policy community was debating the role of the US Navy in coastal warfare and continental defense. The author of this paper sought to contribute to this emerging debate by examining the US Navy's contribution to these aspects of homeland defense over time. The issue Should the Navy carry out homeland defense functions? If so. which ones? Recently there has been a flurry of thinking in the US national security policy community regarding the role of the US Navy

Optimizing Total Force Management

/analyses/2021/07/optimizing-total-force-management

Manpower management (MM) is the term for the set of processes by which the services and other DOD components define and fund—for each operational unit, command staff, and shore/support organization—the numbers and types of job positions that these activities need to perform their missions. Execution of these MM processes across DOD is governed by a combination of the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) and service-specific instructions, directives, and policies. In addition to providing methods and policy for determining the number and types of position, they provide guidance for determining the most appropriate labor source (active military, reserve military, civilians, or contracted services) to fill each position. This study examines the MM processes currently used within each DOD component to determine how they integrate DOD’s workforce mix policy and guidance and to identify impediments that prevent or supersede adherence to this guidance.

DOD is governed by a combination of the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) and service-specific instructions, directives, and policies. In addition to providing methods and policy for determining ... , the Total Force Manpower and Analysis Directorate (TFM&RS) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower & Reserve Affairs asked CNA to (1) investigate how DOD’s policy and guidance ... . This study examines the MM processes currently used within each DOD component to determine how they integrate DOD’s workforce mix policy and guidance and to identify impediments that prevent or supersede

pla update: Issue 3, April 4, 2022

/our-media/newsletters/pla-update/issue-3

PLA Update, Issue 3, is a CNA China Studies Program monthly newsletter, with summaries of Chinese media coverage of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

(including Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, and Syria) in defense of human rights only serve to further harm the people the US claims to protect. [8] The “Jun Sheng” commentaries to date are similar to (though ... in all areas of national concern during 2021 and set policy priorities and guidance for 2022. In this section, CNA analysts review PRC media coverage of four topics discussed at the NPC that are relevant to PLA affairs. NPC GOVERNMENT WORK REPORT AND MILITARY MODERNIZATION Patrick deGategno A primary document that summarizes PRC government work in 2021 and policy goals for 2022 reviews

David Knoll

/our-experts/knoll-david

David Knoll is a CNA expert in irregular warfare, military innovation, and force planning analysis.

to 2024, Knoll was the director of analysis in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. His team led the development of Defense Planning Scenarios, the primary analytical guidance for force planning in the Department of War. He was also on the 2022 National Defense Strategy core writing team. From 2022 to 2023, Knoll concurrently served as director of the OSD Policy, Joint Staff ... of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. He has a PhD and a Master of Arts in international relations from Tufts University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in foreign affairs and religious studies

Hispanic Representation in the Military and Civilian Sectors

/analyses/2024/03/hispanic-representation-in-the-military-and-civilian-sectors

This CNA report on programs, policy, and data on Hispanic members of the armed services was mandated by Congress in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

on programs, policy, and data on Hispanic members of the armed services was mandated by Congress in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. Executive Summary In recent years, the US government and Department of Defense (DOD) have increased their focus on the composition of the US military force, with numerous initiatives, strategies, and policy documents aiming to improve diversity, equity ... these gaps. However, barriers to Hispanic recruitment, retention, and promotion remain. In addition, the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act called for a study of Hispanic representation