A Strategic Approach to Rightsizing the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense

The Pentagon building, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, in Washington in an undated aerial photo. U.S. Air Force/Getty Images

Commentary

The intelligence community (IC) and the Department of Defense (DOD) are vital pillars of national security, tasked with safeguarding the nation in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world. Rightsizing these organizations requires a strategic, mission-focused approach that prioritizes effectiveness and efficiency over arbitrary actions. This article proposes a methodology centered on a thorough reassessment of each agency’s mission, followed by a task-oriented restructuring process, with personnel considerations addressed only after a clear understanding of essential functions has been established.

Mission Relevance: The Cornerstone of Strategic Downsizing

The initial step in any initiative must be a rigorous review of the agency’s core mission. Is the original mandate of the organization still relevant in the contemporary geopolitics and technological landscape? Has the character of threats evolved, rendering some tasks obsolete while necessitating new areas of focus? The rise of cyber warfare in the past 20 years, for example, has demanded a shift in resources and expertise. Similarly, the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy has elevated the significance of economic security and its intersection with national security intelligence.