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Military Service by Transgender Individuals - Interim Guidance
"The Department of Defense ('DoD') has received the Presidential Memorandum, Military Service by Transgender Individuals, dated August 25, 20I7 ('Presidential Memorandum'). DoD will carry out the President's policy and directives in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security ('DHS') with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard. Not later than February 21, 2018, I will present the President with a plan to implement the policy and directives in the Presidential Memorandum. Consistent with military effectiveness and lethality, budgetary constraints, and applicable law, the implementation plan will establish the policy, standards and procedures for transgender individuals serving in the military. The Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. supported by a panel of experts ( 'Panel'), shall propose for my consideration recommendations supported by appropriate evidence and information. To comply with the Presidential Memorandum, ensure the continued combat readiness of the force, and maximize flexibility in the development of the implementation plan, the attached Interim Guidance takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until I promulgate DoD's final policy in this matter. By agreement with the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, this Interim Guidance also applies to the U.S. Coast Guard."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2017-09-14
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Ongoing DoD Support to Hurricane Relief Efforts
"In Puerto Rico, DoD continues ongoing relief operations and is leaning forward to rapidly deploy additional response capacity, expanding airfield throughput and positioning key leaders forward supporting FEMA's efforts to stabilize the situation in Puerto Rico and sustain life. DoD continues to support FEMA's immediate objectives to complete hospital assessments in PR [Puerto Rico]and establish an island-wide commodities distribution plan. The situation in USVI [U.S. Virgin Islands] continues to improve; shifting from response to recovery."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2017-09-28
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Guidance for Continuation of Operations During a Lapse of Appropriations
From the David L. Norquist Memorandum: "Appropriations provided under the DoD Appropriations Act, 2019 (division A of Public Law 115-245) expire at 11 :59 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, September 30, 2019. The Administration does not want a lapse in appropriations, which would result in a Federal government shutdown, to occur. The Secretary and I hope that the Congress will quickly pass the annual appropriations bill for Defense activities prior to FY 2020. However, prudent management requires that the Department be prepared for the possibility of a lapse in appropriations. The attachment to this memorandum provides instructions for continuation of essential operations in the absence of appropriated funds."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2019-08-26
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Recommendations of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves [memorandum]
From the memo by Robert Gates: "The Commission [on the National Guard and Reserves (the Commission)] was tasked to assess the roles and missions of the National Guard and Reserve components, and the compensation and other benefits, including health care benefits, that are provided for members of the Reserve components. The Commission released its final report on January 31,2008, which contained 95 recommendations. […]. Following the release of the Commission's report, I established a working group to assess the recommendations made by the Commission and to provide me with proposed actions for the recommendations. After reviewing the recommendations of the working group, I have determined that there are 82 recommendations which require the Department to take action or continue action already under way, or for which action is complete. While some of the corrective actions I am directing differ from those proposed by the Commission, I have determined that they appropriately address the issues. The remaining 13 recommendations are either under the purview of another Department or I am directing no action be taken."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Gates, Robert Michael, 1943-
2008-11-24
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Department of Defense Directive-Type Memorandum (DTM) 08-006: 'DoD Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive- 12 (HSPD-12),' November 26, 2008 [Incorporating Change 1, August 10, 2010]
"HSPD-12 [Homeland Security Presidential Directive- 12] mandates a Government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification issued by the Federal Government to its employees and contractor employees under the terms of applicable contracts. HSPD-12 further directs Federal Departments and Agencies to migrate to a single identification standard for Federal employees and contractor employees under the terms of applicable contracts, for physical access to all Federally controlled facilities and logical access to Federally controlled information systems."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2008-11-26
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Pentagon Area Common Information Technology (IT) Wireless Security Policy
This document establishes policy, definitions, and responsibilities necessary to mitigate the vulnerabilities and security risks introduced by wireless technologies and the infrastruc ture installed to support them. This policy will be reviewed annually and updated, if required, to address technology improvements which may provide practical application for the Pentagon community without introducing additional security risks and vulnerabilities.
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2002-09
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1997 Report to Congress on Ballistic Missile Threat
This report describes the overall Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) strategy and details the distinct programs and projects included in the overall effort, addresses international participation in BMD research, discusses the certification status of compliance of planned development and testing programs with existing arms control agreements, and provides details of current and planned funding for BMD.
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
1997-09-30
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Report on Allied Contributions to the Common Defense. A Report to the United States Congress by the Secretary of Defense.
A National Security strategy for a New Century (May 1997) identifies a diverse set of threats to U.S. security, including regional or state-centered threats (such as regional aggressors, unstable nations, internal conflicts, or failed states); transnational threats (including terrorism, illegal drugs, illicit arms trafficking, and organized crime); and threats from weapons of mass destruction (from existing arsenals and from the proliferation of advanced technologies). To meet these challenges, the Administration's national security strategy stresses the need for integrated approaches, specifically to shape the international environment to prevent or deter threats, to maintain the ability to respond across the full spectrum of potential crises, up to and including major theater war, and to prepare now to meet future uncertainties. A central aim of the Administration's strategy to defeat these transnational threats is to strengthen and adapt our security relationships with key nations around the world - including sharing collective security responsibilities with allies and other friendly nations.
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
1998-03
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In the Matter of National Security Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications Service Priority System
From the Introduction: "By our Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in Gen. Docket No. 87-505, 2 FCC Rcd 7124 (1987), we proposed revisions to Sections 64.401 and 64.402 (and Appendices A and B thereto) of the Commission's Rules and Regulations, 47 C.F.R. §§ 64.401, 64.402, which dictate the procedures for the restoration of vital private line services during emergency situations and establish a 'Precedence System for Public Correspondence Services.' The proceeding was initiated by the Secretary of Defense in his capacity as the Executive Agent for the national Communications System (NCS). By its petition, NCS proposed to replace the existing Restoration Priority rules with a new National Security Emergency Preparedness (NSEP) Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) System, which has a broader scope and applicability."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
1988-11-17
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Memorandum for All Military and Department of Defense Personnel: Message to the Force -- Warfighting Readiness
From the Document: "In today's complex world, there is no shortage of threats to our country's security. Given this reality, the American people rightfully expect the Department of Defense to safeguard the liberty and prosperity that define the character of this nation, above all else. To do so, we must continue to adapt to ensure we remain the most powerful warfighting force in the world. [...] In this new era of strategic competition among great powers, the Joint Force must be ready to fight large-scale combat operations in a joint, multi-national, multi-domain environment, under the most demanding conditions."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Esper, Mark T.
2019-10-10
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Annual Report to the President and the Congress 2005
"In March of 2005, the Secretary of Defense issued a new "National Defense Strategy." This strategy recognizes that America is a nation at war. We face a diverse set of security challenges. Yet, we still live in an era of advantage and opportunity. The "National Defense Strategy" outlines an active, layered approach to the defense of the nation and its interests. It seeks to create conditions conducive to respect for the sovereignty of nations and a secure international order favorable to freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity. This strategy promotes close cooperation with others around the world who are committed to these goals. It addresses mature and emerging threats. This 2005 Annual Report to the President and the Congress will examine the Department's efforts to manage challenges while executing the National Defense Strategy."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Rumsfeld, Donald H.
2005
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Annual Report to the President and the Congress 2003
"To win the global war on terror, our forces need to be flexible, light and agile, and able to respond quickly to sudden changes. Accordingly, our budget for FY 2004, in combination with the reforms outlined in The Defense Transformation Act for the 21st Century, will give the Department some of the needed flexibility to more rapidly move resources, shift people and bring new weapons systems on line so we can adapt to changing events. However, these are just first steps. Our goal is to create a culture of innovation that will keep the United States several steps ahead of potential adversaries. Accordingly, the FY 2004 defense budget balances a number of risks, using the framework developed during the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review. This report describes how the planning principles of our defense strategy define military missions, the forces and capabilities needed to ensure success, and the goals and measures we are using to monitor our performance."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Rumsfeld, Donald, 1932-
2003
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Memorandum for Secretaries of the Military Departments, Commanders of the Combatant Commands: Investigation Review -- Secretary of Defense Guidance, April 28, 2016
"Following the airstrike in Kunduz, Afghanistan, on October 3, 2015, that resulted in civilian casualties at the Doctors Without Borders Trauma Center, the investigation identified causal factors and specific deficiencies. I am committed to ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future. Therefore, after consulting with the Chairman, I am directing the Combatant Commands and the Services to take the following actions within the next 120 days to improve the Joint Force and mitigate the potential for similar incidents in the future: (1) Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant policies, tactical directives, and rules of emgagement (ROE) to clarify conflicting or confusing directives. [...] (2) Review pre-deployment training requirements to ensure Service members and their leadership are certified on the application of all policies, directives, rules, and risk management procedures, and the employment of those authorities in complex environments. [...] (3) Review mission command systems - including those of our partners - to identify effective methods to maintain unified understanding of the battlespace and enhance interoperability. [...] (4) Review Risk Management procedures for current operating environments. [...] (5) Incorporate lessons learned from the Kunduz strike in leadership development and operational training to emphasize the role of individual judgment and accountability in the execution of mission command."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Carter, Ashton B.
2016-04-28
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Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 2015
"Section 1236 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112- 81, as amended by Section 1292 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 and Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, provides that the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report 'in both classified and unclassified form, on the current and future military power of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea' (DPRK). The report shall address an assessment of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, the goals and factors shaping North Korean security strategy and military strategy, trends in North Korean security, an assessment of North Korea's regional security objectives, including an assessment of the North Korean military's capabilities, developments in North Korean military doctrine and training, an assessment of North Korea's proliferation activities, and other military security developments."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2015
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Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 2013
"Section 1236 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Law 112-81, as amended by Section 1292 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, provides that the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report 'in both classified and unclassified form, on the current and future military power of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea' (DPRK). The report shall address an assessment of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, the goals and factors shaping North Korean security strategy and military strategy, trends in North Korean security, an assessment of North Korea's regional security objectives, including an assessment of the North Korean military's capabilities, developments in North Korean military doctrine and training, an assessment of North Korea's proliferation activities, and other military security developments."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2013
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Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) remains one of the United States' most critical security challenges in Northeast Asia. North Korea remains a security threat because of its willingness to undertake provocative and destabilizing behavior, including attacks on the Republic of Korea (ROK), its pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, and its willingness to proliferate weapons in contravention of its international agreements and United Nations Security Council Resolutions. […] North Korea's third nuclear test in February 2013 and its 2010 revelation of a uranium enrichment facility highlight the continued challenge posed by North Korea's nuclear programs. Both the September 19 Joint Statement of the Six Party Talks and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874, and 2087 call for the complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea. Given North Korea's unwillingness to abide by these commitments, the Department of Defense will continue to manage the North Korean security challenge through close coordination and consultation with the international community, particularly with our ROK and Japanese Allies. The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korea's continued provocations and steadfast in commitments to Allies in the region, including the security provided by extended deterrence commitments through both the nuclear umbrella and conventional forces."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2013-02-15
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Department of Defense (DoD) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Plan for Executive Order (EO), 13392, Improving Agency Disclosure of Information
"The review of FOIA operations within DoD has been thorough and comprehensive. The findings and observations have been drawn from survey data received from over 500 FOIA Offices DoD-wide. Additionally, DoD Component Chief Public Liaison Officers from 16 major headquarters and senior FOIA managers from the Defense Freedom of Information Policy Office (DFOIPO) also provided their perspectives on backlogs, customer service, adequacy of resources, FOIA Websites, and more. The FOIA Review, supported by this highly effective Information Collection Plan, confirmed the following areas within DoD need improvement: organizational structure and manning; training; technology; and resources/backlogs."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2006-06-14
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Nuclear Weapon Systems Sustainment Programs
"This report summarizes the activities that develop and maintain the core competencies, technical and operational, needed for accomplishment of the Defense Department's nuclear missions. It responds to issues regarding the Defense Department's core nuclear competencies raised in recent Senate Armed Services Committee and House National Security Committee reports. The Senate Armed Services Committee Report on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 expresses concern about 'the ability of the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain the core competencies of expertise necessary to sustain its nuclear forces in the absence of nuclear testing in the foreseeable future.' It goes on to state that 'The safety, security and reliability of all nuclear weapons systems, to include the delivery system and the related command and control and other associated subsystems, is the responsibility of the Department of Defense.' […]. The Senate Armed Services Committee requested the Department of Defense to submit a report on 'potential initiatives to retain core competencies that would involve developing key science and technology program s; potential opportunities for conducting cooperative training programs between educational institutions, industry, the Defense Nuclear Weapons School, the national laboratories and the military services; and potential career paths for entry level engineers and scientists and the funding necessary to sustain a program of this nature'. This report specifically responds to the Senate Armed Services Committee request, but also addresses issues raised in both the House and Senate Reports."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
1997-05
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Memorandum for Secretaries of the Military Departments, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Under Secretaries of Defense, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel of the Department of Defense, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, Inspector General of the Department of Defense, Assistants to the Secretary of Defense, Director, Program Analysis and Evaluation, Director, Net Assessment, Directors of the Defense Agencies, and Directors of the DoD Field Activities Regarding the Pentagon Reservation Component Emergency Response Guide
"This directive-type memorandum approves the Pentagon Reservation Component Emergency Response Guide (PCERG) for implementation. DoD Instruction O-3020.43, Emergency Management and Incident Command on the Pentagon Facilities requires Components to maintain and exercise internal emergency plans, and to train their personnel on these plans." See also the Pentagon Reservation Component Emergency Response Guide.
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Donley, Michael
2007-12-13
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Pentagon Reservation Component Emergency Response Guide
"Component emergency response programs must ensure all occupants and visitors are able to respond to a full range of life-threatening hazards. PFPA [Pentagon Force Protection Agency] is responsible for Pentagon emergency response procedures and will provide instruction to Components and occupants based upon the specific nature of the incident and/or threat. PFPA's specific response will be tailored to avoid or mitigate injury and property damage from a wide range of hazards, including attack incidents such as bombings; armed attacks; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) events; and other emergency incidents such as fire, severe weather, and civil disturbance. During emergencies within the building, PFPA will typically direct occupants to shelter-in-place or provide instructions regarding internal relocation or evacuation. Components should encourage occupants to carry their emergency escape masks and their individual go-kits with them during emergencies and exercises. The Component emergency response program is integral, but subordinate, to PFPA's overall emergency response concept of operations."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2007-12-12
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Unmanned Systems Roadmap 2007-2032
"Today's military has seen an evolution in technology that is creating an entirely new capability to project power through the use of unmanned systems while reducing the risk to human life. The contributions of unmanned systems continue to increase. As of October 2006, coalition Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs), exclusive of hand-launched systems, had flown almost 400,000 flight hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) had responded to over 11,000 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) situations, and Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMSs) had provided security to ports. As a result of these successes, the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) emphasized the importance of unmanned systems in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Unmanned systems are highly desired by combatant commanders (COCOMs) for the many roles these systems can fulfill. Tasks such as mine detection; signals intelligence; precision target designation; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE) reconnaissance; and communications and data relay rank high among the COCOMs' interests. These unmanned capabilities have helped reduce the complexity and time lag in the 'sensor' component of the sensor-to-shooter chain for prosecuting 'actionable intelligence.' Unmanned systems are changing the conduct of military operations in the GWOT by providing unrelenting pursuit combined with the elimination of threats to friendly forces; including injury, capture, or death."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2007-12-10
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Directive-type Memorandum (DTM) 13-005, 'Deviations from the DoD Physical Security Program', April 25, 2013
"This DTM [Directive-type Memorandum], in accordance with DoD Directive (DoDD) 5143.01 (Reference (a)): [1] Establishes the responsibilities and procedures for granting deviations to the DoD Physical Security Program as outlined in DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5200.08 (Reference (b)), DoD 5200.08-R (Reference (c)), and DTM 09-012 (Reference (d)). [2] This DTM is effective April 25, 2013; it will be incorporated into Reference (c). This DTM will expire effective October 25, 2013."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2013-04-25
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2018 Nuclear Posture Review
From the Introduction, "On January 27, 2017, President Donald Trump directed Secretary of Defense James Mattis to initiate a new Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). The President made clear that his first priority is to protect the United States, allies, and partners. He also emphasized both the long-term goal of eliminating nuclear weapons and the requirement that the United States have modern, flexible, and resilient nuclear capabilities that are safe and secure until such a time as nuclear weapons can prudently be eliminated from the world. The United States remains committed to its efforts in support of the ultimate global elimination of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. It has reduced the nuclear stockpile by over 85 percent since the height of the Cold War and deployed no new nuclear capabilities for over two decades. Nevertheless, global threat conditions have worsened markedly since the most recent 2010 NPR, including increasingly explicit nuclear threats from potential adversaries. The United States now faces a more diverse and advanced nuclear-threat environment than ever before, with considerable dynamism in potential adversaries' development and deployment programs for nuclear weapons and delivery systems."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2018-02
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Initiatives to Address Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and Retaliation Associated with Reporting Crime
"As leaders of the Department of Defense, we share a commitment to an environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment. In order to retain and attract the best people with the best skills, everyone must know that these closely related behaviors have no place in the military. The force of the future is one that leverages our culture of dignity and respect to prevent crime and other improper behaviors, as well as support those who make the difficult choice to report them. The 'Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military,' released today, suggests that the prevalence of sexual assault has decreased across the Department, while reporting of this crime has increased . These and other data gathered in the past year have helped us learn how to better care for victims and prevent sexual assault. In addition, the report demonstrates our resolve to consider and employ new solutions that have been attempted nowhere else. Our approach to prevention and Special Victims' Counsel programs hold great promise not only for the military, but also for the rest of the country as well. Despite our effo1is to date, our fight against sexual assault is far from over. I am concerned that far too many of those who report the crime perceive some kind of retaliation associated with doing so."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
Carter, Ashton B.
2015-05-01
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Policy Memorandum 15-002, 'Guidance for the Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems'
"This policy memorandum provides guidance for the domestic use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ensure that Department of Defense (DoD) UAS are used in accordance with U.S. law and DoD policy, and to ensure the appropriate use of DoD UAS assets in domestic operations, training, exercises, and testing."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2015-02-17
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Directive-type Memorandum (DTM) 16-005 - Military Service of Transgender Service Members, June 30, 2016
"This DTM [Directive-type Memorandum] [1] Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures for the standards for retention, accession, separation, in-service transition, and medical coverage for transgender personnel serving int he Military Services. [2] Except as otherwise noted, this DTM will take effect immediately. It will be converted to a new DoDI [Department of Defense Instruction]. This DTM will expire effective June 30, 2017."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2016-06-30
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Annual Report to Congress: Military Power of the People's Republic of China 2008
This Department of Defense report to Congress discusses China's military strategy, doctrine, goals, modernization, important developments in the military, strength and capabilities. Included in the report are inventory of SAMs, map with location of China's fleet and charts on the military balance in Taiwan Strait.
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2008-03-03
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Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China, 2013
"The People's Republic of China (PRC) continues to pursue a long-term, comprehensive military modernization program designed to improve the capacity of its armed forces to fight and win short-duration, high-intensity regional military conflict. Preparing for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait appears to remain the principal focus and primary driver of China's military investment. However, as China's interests have grown and as it has gained greater influence in the international system, its military modernization has also become increasingly focused on investments in military capabilities to conduct a wider range of missions beyond its immediate territorial concerns, including counter-piracy, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, and regional military operations. Some of these missions and capabilities can address international security challenges, while others could serve more narrowly-defined PRC interests and objectives, including advancing territorial claims and building influence abroad."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2013
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Annual Report to Congress: Military Power of the People's Republic of China 2006
"China's rapid rise as a regional political and economic power with global aspirations is an important element of today's strategic environment -- one that has significant implications for the region and the world. The United States welcomes the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China. U.S. policy encourages China to participate as a responsible international stakeholder by taking on a greater share of responsibility for the health and success of the global system from which China has derived great benefit. […] The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is in the process of long-term transformation from a mass army designed for protracted wars of attrition on its territory to a more modern force capable of fighting short duration, high intensity conflicts against high-tech adversaries. Today, China's ability to sustain military power at a distance is limited. However, as the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review Report notes, 'China has the greatest potential to compete militarily with the United States and field disruptive military technologies that could over time offset traditional U.S. military advantages.' In the near term, China's military build-up appears focused on preparing for Taiwan Strait contingencies, including the possibility of U.S. intervention. However, analysis of China's military acquisitions suggest it is also generating capabilities that could apply to other regional contingencies, such as conflicts over resources or territory."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2006
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Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China, 2010
"Earlier this decade, China began a new phase of military development by articulating roles and missions for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) that go beyond China's immediate territorial interests. Some of these missions and associated capabilities have allowed the PLA to contribute to international peacekeeping efforts, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterpiracy operations. The United States recognizes and welcomes these contributions. Other investments have allowed the PLA to pursue anti-access and area-denial strategies. Still others appear designed to improve the PLA's ability for extended-range power projection, although China's ability to sustain military power at a distance, today, remains limited. As the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review Report notes, 'China is developing and fielding large numbers of advanced medium-range ballistic and cruise missiles, new attack submarines equipped with advanced weapons, increasingly capable long-range air defense systems, electronic warfare and computer network attack capabilities, advanced fighter aircraft, and counter-space systems.' Cross-Strait economic and cultural ties continued to make important progress in 2009. Despite these positive trends, China's military build-up opposite the island continued unabated. The PLA is developing the capability to deter Taiwan independence or influence Taiwan to settle the dispute on Beijing's terms while simultaneously attempting to deter, delay, or deny any possible U.S. support for the island in case of conflict. The balance of cross-Strait military forces continues to shift in the mainland's favor. The PLA has made modest improvements in the transparency of China's military and security affairs. However, many uncertainties remain regarding how China will use its expanding military capabilities. The limited transparency in China's military and security affairs enhances uncertainty and increases the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary of Defense
2010
