U.S. National Defense Report Warns of Insufficient Preparedness for War with China or Russia
A congressionally appointed commission has issued a stark warning regarding the United States’ preparedness for a potential war with major powers such as China or Russia. The formal review, published on Monday, indicates that the Pentagon’s munitions could be depleted within a matter of weeks in the event of such a conflict. This 114-page report is the result of assessments by an eight-person bipartisan commission, which includes a retired Army general, a former Democratic congresswoman, and a former U.S. ambassador.
Key Findings on Munitions and Industrial Capacity
The report highlights that the U.S. could use up its munitions, including critical anti-ship missiles, within merely three to four weeks during a sustained conflict. The findings are grounded in previously reported material but emphasize the urgent need for increased defense spending and streamlined military forces. The commission notes that even with recent efforts to boost arms production, particularly to supply Ukraine, the U.S. still faces significant shortages.
A 2022 report from analysts at the Center for National American Security claimed that America does not possess enough arms to "blunt and defeat an initial invasion" from adversaries like China. The commission’s report echoes these concerns, adding that the same considerations apply to the stockpiles among U.S. allies. The 2022 Royal United Services Institute report on the war in Ukraine serves as a grim example, highlighting the massive ammunition usage rates that could outstrip current stockpiles within days.
Broader Industrial Concerns
The commission also addressed the inadequacies of the U.S. defense industry, stressing that industrial capacity is insufficient even for peacetime needs, let alone during a large-scale conflict. According to the report, the United States must overhaul its defense production capabilities to meet current demands and prepare for potential great power conflicts.
Structural Recommendations
Several major changes were proposed to revamp U.S. defense strategy comprehensively:
- Integration of National Power: The commission suggested an "all elements of national power" approach, drawing on private and civil sectors. This strategy mirrors China’s method of leveraging civilian companies and state-run conglomerates to support their military.
- Multiple Theater Force Construct: Instead of the traditional "two-war construct," which prepares the U.S. for conflicts with two regional threats like Iran or North Korea, this new strategy aims to address the possibility of large-scale conflicts against multiple global powers simultaneously.
- Reforming the Defense Department: Streamlining the Department of Defense (DoD) is essential, the report said, citing a "byzantine" research and development process and a slow bureaucratic system.
The commission emphasized that the U.S. public remains largely unaware of these severe national security risks. Many Americans do not understand how a major war could impact essential services, from water and power supplies to internet connectivity.
The report concludes with a call for a bipartisan effort to inform and prepare the nation. The urgency is likened to the need for significant investments and changes before another catastrophic event like Pearl Harbor or the September 11 attacks. Without these necessary reforms, the U.S. faces a precarious future in defending itself and its allies against formidable global powers.
