Persistent Perspectives on Defense Management Reform

Abstract

Management of the massive and complex organization of the DoD is costly, difficult, and attention-getting. Efforts to improve DoD management are persistent with proposals, recommendations, mandates, and initiatives coming from a variety of internal and external sources. This paper explores the types and sources of Defense management reform initiatives to understand better what constitutes Defense management, where management reforms originate, and what aspects of DoD management most attract reformers’ persistent attention. Topics appear to fall into identifiable categories: acquisition and logistics, operational, financial management, facilities and energy, organizational change, and technology. Types of reform recommendations seem to fall into three typologies: organizational, process, and culture change. Given the persistent nature of defense reform, understanding sources and types of Defense reform proposals can better inform DoD leaders in making choices about reform they will act upon as they lead management reforms at the enterprise level.