Critical Releases in Homeland Security: January 11, 2012

"This HHS [Health and Human Services] Global Health Strategy articulates the strategies that will guide these global efforts to prevent disease, disability and death, promote health and well-being, advance knowledge and innovation, and strengthen partnerships and systems to improve responsiveness to myriad health challenges at home and abroad. The Global Health Strategy identifies three goals that contribute to achieving HHS's global health vision of a healthier, safer world: to protect and promote the health and well-being of Americans through global health action; to provide leadership and technical expertise in science, policy, programs, and practice to improve global health; and to work in concert with interagency partners to advance U.S. interests in international diplomacy, development, and security through global health action. […]The Global Health Strategy identifies key priorities under each objective, and links these efforts to the broader goals and objectives articulated in the HHS Strategic Plan FY 2010-2015. The Global Health Strategy also recognizes the key contributions of our partners within the U.S. Government as part of a whole of government approach, and cooperation with other national governments, multilateral organizations, and civil society and non-governmental groups."

"Over the last decade, we have undertaken extended operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to bring stability to those countries and secure our interests. As we responsibly draw down from these two operations, take steps to protect our nation.'s economic vitality, and protect our interests in a world of accelerating change, we face an inflection point. This merited an assessment of the U.S. defense strategy in light of the changing geopolitical environment and our changing fiscal circumstances. This assessment reflects the President.'s strategic direction to the Department and was deeply informed by the Department.'s civilian and military leadership, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, and the Combatant Commanders. Out of the assessment we developed a defense strategy that transitions our Defense enterprise from an emphasis on today.'s wars to preparing for future challenges, protects the broad range of U.S. national security interests, advances the Department.'s efforts to rebalance and reform, and supports the national security imperative of deficit reduction through a lower level of defense spending. This strategic guidance document describes the projected security environment and the key military missions for which the Department of Defense (DoD) will prepare. It is intended as a blueprint for the Joint Force in 2020, providing a set of precepts that will help guide decisions regarding the size and shape of the force over subsequent program and budget cycles, and highlighting some of the strategic risks that may be associated with the proposed strategy."