Improving Integration of Department of Defense Processes for Capabilities Development Planning

Abstract : This paper was prepared for the Director for Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment (J-8) under the task order Studies and Analyses for Implementing Capabilities-Based Planning (CBP). The DoD has taken many steps toward implementing the vision of rational, agile, joint planning that has been advanced under the banner of capabilities-based planning. However, the processes supporting these efforts are not fully integrated with one another and are not fully aligned with the congressional budget cycle that drives resourcing decisions. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the Department's planning processes and decision support mechanisms, with particular focus on the processes that aim to define, design, and develop capabilities for the future joint force. The study focused on the integration, within the overarching framework of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) system, of five capabilities development planning sub-elements: (1) the development of strategic and planning guidance; (2) the Analytic Agenda; (3) the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS); (4) joint concept development and experimentation; and (5) the acquisition system. The paper presents a variety of options for improving the performance and integration of these processes and offers considerations for the implementation of the options. Appendices provide extensive background information on the planning processes addressed.