[Budget of the United States Government]
[V. Preparing For the 21st Century]
[11. Supporting the Worldâs Strongest Military Force]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 
          11.  SUPPORTING THE WORLD'S STRONGEST MILITARY FORCE

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  Still, this remains a dangerous world and peace can never be a time for rest, for maintaining it requires
constant vigilance.... When we give our Armed Forces a mission, there is a principle we must keep in mind. We
should never ask them to do what they are not equipped to do, but always equip them to do what we ask them to
do.... As Commander in Chief, I have no higher duty than this: to make certain our troops can do their job while
maintaining their readiness to defend our country and defeat any adversary; to ensure they can deploy far from
home, knowing their loved ones have the quality of life they deserve.
 
                                      President Clinton
                                      November 1998
 

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   The U.S. military is the backbone of the Nation's national security 
strategy. In this post-Cold War era, the military's responsibilities 
have changed, but not diminished. If anything, they have become more 
complex and diverse. As the global leader of the post-Cold War era, the 
U.S. must maintain its military readiness and technological advantage to 
ensure that this leadership role continues. We, as a Nation, must 
provide our forces with the necessary support to carry out such a 
critical role.
   To ensure that America's Armed Forces are fully prepared to meet the 
challenges of the next century, the President is proposing in the budget 
a long-term, sustained increase in defense spending. In keeping with his 
pledge to work with military leaders to address the Nation's defense 
needs, the President has determined that additional resources are 
necessary to maintain military readiness; procure modern and effective 
weapons systems; and provide appropriate pay, benefits and quality of 
life improvements for our service men and women. This multiple-year plan 
provides robust funding for such readiness components as unit operations 
and training, spare parts, recruiting and retention programs, joint 
exercises, equipment maintenance, and base operations.
   The Department of Defense's (DOD's) Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) 
embraces a defense strategy which includes shaping the international 
strategic environment and responding to near-term events, crises and 
threats while also preparing for future threats. The QDR is the 
strategic plan to ensure that our forces remain capable of executing the 
full range of global military operations into the next century. It 
identifies four major threats to U.S. security:
   regional dangers, such as cross-border aggression, as well as 
          military challenges created by failed states, as in the case 
          of Yugoslavia;
   the proliferation of the technology of weapons of mass 
          destruction (WMD);
   transnational dangers, such as the spread of illegal drugs, 
          organized crime, terrorism, uncontrolled refugee migration, 
          and threats to the environment; and
   direct attacks on the U.S. homeland from intercontinental 
          ballistic missiles or other weapons of mass destruction.
   The budget fully supports the force levels, readiness, and weapons 
modernization goals of the QDR, thus enabling DOD to meet these 
demanding challenges (see Table 11-1). In particular, it provides 
additional resources for three priority areas: enhancing the military's 
abilities to respond to crises; building for the future with weapons 
modernization programs; and taking care of military personnel and their 
families by enhancing their quality of life.

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                   Table 11-1.  MILITARY FORCE TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Cold War
                                   (1990)         2000       QDR Target
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army:
  Divisions (active/National
   Guard).....................        18/10     10 \1\/ 8
                                                      \2\     10 \1\/ 8
                                                                    \2\
 
Air Force:
   Fighter wings (active/
   reserve)...................        24/12          13/7         12+/8
 
Navy:
   Aircraft carriers (active/
   reserve)...................         15/1          11/1          11/1
   Air wings (active/reserve).         13/2          10/1          10/1
   Total battle force ships
   \3\........................          546           314           306
 
Marine Corps:
   Divisions (active/reserve).          3/1           3/1           3/1
   Wings (active/reserve).....          3/1           3/1           3/1
 
Strategic nuclear forces:
   Intercontinental ballistic
   missiles/warheads..........  1,000/2,450     550/2,000   500/500 \4\
   Ballistic missile
   submarines.................           31            18        14 \4\
   Sea-launched ballistic
   missiles/warheads..........    568/4,864     432/3,456   336/not over
                                                              1,750 \4\
   Heavy bombers..............          324        90 \5\        92 \5\
 
Military personnel:
   Active.....................    2,069,000     1,384,806     1,363,000
   Selected reserve...........    1,128,000       865,298       835,000
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Plus two armored cavalry regiments.
 
\2\ Plus 18 separate brigades (15 of which are at enhanced readiness
  levels).
 
\3\ Includes active and reserve ships of the following types: aircraft
  carriers, surface combatants, submarines, amphibious warfare ships,
  mine warfare ships, combat logistics force, and other support ships.
 
\4\ Upon entry-into-force of START II.
 
\5\ Does not include 95 B-1 bombers dedicated to conventional missions.

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   Enhancing Military Readiness and Operations: American forces must be 
ready and able to respond and deploy rapidly to the full spectrum of 
crises. They must prevail when committed--whether in a major theater 
war, smaller-scale contingency mission, or counterterrorism operation. 
Specifically, the budget increases funding for readiness programs to 
ensure that the military sustains a high level of preparedness to carry 
out all of its missions and that flying-hour programs, recruiting 
efforts, manning levels, and unit training programs are fully funded.
   Building for the Future With Weapons Systems Modernization: The U.S. 
military must be the best equipped in the world--it must have leading 
edge technologies and well-maintained equipment in sufficient numbers to 
meet mission goals. The budget increases funding to accelerate weapon 
systems modernization programs. It supports procurement of new warships, 
tactical fighter aircraft, and Army and Marine Corps helicopters as well 
as upgrades to Army ground combat vehicles. The budget also provides 
funding for research and development efforts that will lead to 
procurement of next generation weapon systems incorporating the most 
advanced technologies.
  Taking Care of Military Personnel and Their Families: If the military 
is to attract and keep the best and the brightest, it must offer pay, 
retirement, and other quality of life benefits that compare favorably 
with the private sector and Government civil service, and that also 
recognize the often stressful circumstances of military life, such as 
long separations from family and dangerous missions. The budget enhances 
quality of life for military personnel through significant across-the-
board pay increases, targeted pay raises with greater

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rewards for performance, and retirement benefit improvements. Housing 
and educational benefits are also improved.
   Nevertheless, we do not have unlimited resources with which to 
achieve these objectives. Rather, we must pursue them carefully within 
the constraints of available resources by utilizing efficient management 
and business practices to do more with less. The budget fully supports 
legislative and organizational management proposals, initiated under 
Secretary Cohen's Defense Reform Initiative (DRI), including proposals 
for additional base closures and competitive sourcing efforts.

Providing the Necessary Funding

   For DOD, the budget proposes discretionary funding of $268.2 billion 
in budget authority and $261.8 billion in outlays for 2000 (see Table 
11-2). This represents an increase of $4 billion over the 2000 level 
assumed in the 1999 Budget. After accounting for lower inflation and 
other budgetary savings, a total of $12 billion in additional program 
funding is provided for DOD, compared to the level assumed in last 
year's request.
   Over the five-year period 2000-2004, funding for the Defense 
Department will total $1,453 billion, an increase of $64 billion above 
the levels assumed for these years in the 1999 Budget. Combined with 
savings from lower inflation and other budgetary and technical 
adjustments, a total of $83 billion in additional program funding will 
be made available to the Department to meet critical readiness, 
personnel, and modernization needs. This figure grows to an increase of 
about $110 billion over the six-year Future Years Defense Program. To 
reach these program levels, the Administration proposes to increase the 
allocation for defense when Social Security reform is enacted.

Enhancing Military Readiness and Operations

   Ensuring Adequate Resources: Maintaining high levels of readiness is 
our top defense priority. To allow U.S. forces to accomplish a wide 
range of missions, the budget provides robust funding for key operations 
and support programs, including unit operations and training activities, 
spare parts, recruiting and retention programs, joint exercises, 
equipment maintenance, and base operations. In addition, DOD continues 
to monitor its current and future military readiness through the Senior 
Readiness Oversight Council, the Joint Monthly Readiness Review process, 
and the Expanded Quarterly Readiness Report to Congress. The budget 
provides a $4 billion increase in 2000 and more than $20 billion over 
the next five years for selected readiness programs, including 
readiness-related procurement. This funding will ensure that the 
Services attain their traditional high standard of readiness by enabling 
them to meet their required training standards, maintain their equipment 
in top condition, recruit and retain quality personnel, and procure 
sufficient spare parts and other equipment.
  Ensuring Successful Contingency Operations: The budget proposes 
funding for ongoing contingency operations--limited military operations 
in conjunction with our allies--in Southwest Asia and Bosnia in the 
Overseas Contingency Operations Transfer Fund and military personnel 
accounts. For 2000, this amount is $2.9 billion. Congressional approval 
will allow DOD to avoid redirecting funds from standard operations and 
maintenance pro
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                                Table 11-2.  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNDING LEVELS
                                            (In billions of dollars)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Proposed
                                                                    --------------------------------------------
                                                                       2000     2001     2002     2003     2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defense Discretionary Program Level:
  Budget authority.................................................    268.2    287.4    289.3    299.7    308.5
  Outlays..........................................................    261.8    269.4    279.3    291.2    300.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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grams to contingency operations, thereby helping to maintain the 
readiness of our force.

   Shaping the Strategic Landscape Through Arms Control and Cooperative 
Threat Reduction: The President remains strongly committed to reducing 
the threat from weapons of mass destruction by implementing verifiable 
arms control agreements. To that end, the Strategic Arms Reduction 
Treaty (START) process remains a high priority objective of U.S. 
foreign, security, and non-proliferation policy. As START I 
implementation continues, the Administration continues to work hard to 
bring the START II treaty into force and, pending Russian ratification 
of START II, is preparing to discuss further arms reductions. In 
addition, implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention is underway 
and the Administration will work with the Senate to ratify the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
   Furthermore, the Administration proposes significant increases to 
threat reduction assistance programs in Russia and other states of the 
former Soviet Union that mitigate the danger posed by WMD, the 
proliferation of their loosely guarded fissile material components, and 
the scientific expertise behind them. These increases will strengthen 
the ongoing threat reduction effort by supplementing DOD's Cooperative 
Threat Reduction program (also called the Nunn-Lugar Program) and 
programs managed by the Departments of Energy and State. The budget 
proposes $1.0 billion--$285 million more than 1999--for this 
comprehensive and aggressive program in 2000. The DOD portion of this 
effort totals $476 million.

   Countering Asymmetric Threats: The President's request increases 
funding to enhance the Department's capability to counter asymmetric 
threats such as terrorism, proliferation and use of WMD, and threats to 
our critical infrastructure. Adversaries will increasingly rely on these 
unconventional strategies to offset U.S. military superiority. The 
budget provides over $5 billion for programs to combat terrorism. 
Enhancements include improved awareness and training programs, worldwide 
vulnerability assessments, implementation of prescriptive standards for 
force protection, and increased resources for offensive means to deter, 
defeat, and respond to terrorist attacks wherever they may occur. 
Funding of $900 million for counterproliferation and defense against WMD 
programs improves our ability to locate and destroy chemical and 
biological weapons before they can be used and to defend against and 
manage the consequences of a WMD attack. The budget also proposes 
increased resources to protect critical infrastructures that support 
national security requirements, bringing this funding to over $1 
billion.
   Executing Counter-drug Programs: DOD participates fully in the 
National Drug Control Strategy to stem the flow of illegal drugs into 
the country and reduce demand. DOD conducts its primary missions--to 
eliminate drug supply sources and prevent drugs from entering the 
country--by detecting and monitoring drugs moving to the United States, 
supporting domestic and foreign law enforcement, collecting and 
analyzing foreign intelligence, and supporting the activities of the 
National Guard under State counter-drug programs. DOD continues to fight 
illegal drug use in the military through prevention, education, and 
testing. The budget proposes $788 million for DOD's counter-drug 
efforts.
   Providing Humanitarian and Disaster Assistance: Given its global 
presence and unique capabilities, America's military is often asked to 
respond to international disasters and human tragedies. Such responses 
may come at the direction of U.S. commanders, who can respond quickly to 
regional problems, or at the President's direction when he determines 
that DOD is the appropriate agency to provide U.S. support. The proposed 
$55.8 million for the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid 
account will allow DOD to provide critical humanitarian and disaster 
assistance to support U.S. interests without cutting into the resources 
available for readiness. Also, $34.4 million will be available in 2000 
to support the President's Humanitarian Demining Program.
   Maintaining the Nation's Nuclear Deterrent: Strategic forces remain 
an essential component of our military capability. Within treaty-imposed 
limits, their primary mission is to deter nuclear attack against the 
United States and its allies, and to convince potential adver

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saries that they will never gain a nuclear advantage against our Nation.
   The budget proposes $4.5 billion for DOE to maintain confidence in 
the safety, reliability, and performance of the nuclear weapons 
stockpile. DOE will perform this mission without underground nuclear 
testing in compliance with the proposed CTBT. To make up for the loss of 
testing, DOE plans to build new non-nuclear test facilities while 
upgrading the computer models it uses to predict the performance of 
nuclear weapons. The budget includes: $248 million to continue 
construction of the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore 
National Laboratory; $543 million, for the Advanced Strategic Computing 
Initiative; and $170 million for a new source of tritium to maintain our 
nuclear weapons stockpile.

Building for the Future With Weapons Systems Modernization

   Addressing the Modernization Imperative: Modernizing weapons systems 
is critical to the future readiness of U.S. military forces. In the 
1970s and 1980s, the Nation invested heavily in a wide range of 
equipment--including fighter aircraft, attack submarines, surface ships, 
helicopters, and armored vehicles--which enabled us to reduce weapons 
purchases and total defense spending in the early 1990s as we cut the 
size of U.S. forces after the Cold War. But the equipment bought in 
those prior two decades, the backbone of today's forces, is aging and 
must be replaced. When complex military equipment ages, it becomes more 
costly and more difficult to maintain and operate. More importantly, the 
decisive military advantage that new, superior equipment provides may 
help reduce casualties and facilitate a quick, successful resolution of 
conflict. For these reasons, weapons system modernization continues to 
be a high Administration priority.
   The QDR determined that the Nation needs roughly $60 billion per year 
in weapons procurement funding, beginning in 2001, to modernize U.S. 
forces and maintain the effectiveness of equipment already in the force. 
The budget provides $53 billion for the 2000 procurement program, $4 
billion more than the 1999 level, and achieves the $60 billion goal in 
2001. In addition, the budget provides $7 billion to fund basic and 
applied research and development of advanced technologies that will lay 
the groundwork for procuring next-generation systems. These R&D 
activities and the educational activities they support are also vital to 
the Nation's strength in engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

   Modernizing Ground Forces: In the near term, Army modernization 
emphasizes digitization of battlefield systems (discussed later in this 
chapter) and upgrades to existing combat equipment so that our ground 
forces will have a clear advantage over potential opponents. The Army 
will extend the useful life and improve battlefield performance of 
primary combat systems by integrating new navigation and data transfer 
technology, improving weapons and targeting systems, and augmenting 
vehicle protection systems. For example, the budget proposes $652 
million to upgrade the Abrams tank, $352 million to improve the Bradley 
Fighting Vehicle, and $787 million to procure Apache Longbow 
helicopters.
   The centerpiece of the Marine Corps modernization program is the V-22 
tilt-rotor aircraft that will replace the CH-46 and CH-53A/D helicopters 
now used to transport troops and equipment. The budget provides $951 
million to procure 10 V-22s which will have increased range, payload, 
and speed to significantly enhance Marine Corps tactical operations.
   A sometimes overlooked, but no less important, part of ground force 
modernization is the replacement of aging combat support systems such as 
trucks. Both the Army and the Marine Corps are replacing their fleets of 
medium trucks by procuring new models.
   In the long term, R&D programs aim to take advantage of leaps in 
technology to enhance mission-essential equipment. The budget funds 
critical development programs which will lead to procurement in the 
middle of the next decade, including $433 million for the Army's 
Comanche helicopter for armed reconnaissance, $286 million for the 
Crusader self-propelled artillery howitzer, and $93 million for the 
Marines' Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle.

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   Modernizing Naval Forces: The budget continues procurement of several 
ship classes, including $2.7 billion for three DDG-51 Aegis destroyers, 
and $1.5 billion for two LPD-17 Amphibious Transport Dock Ships. The 
budget also provides $440 million to procure the first ADC-X, a new 
class of combat logistics ships. The Navy budget continues advance 
funding for the major refueling overhaul of the second Nimitz-class 
nuclear aircraft carrier to enable the ship to stay in service another 
25 years. The Navy also will procure long-lead material to construct the 
tenth Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier as well as material for the 
next Virginia-class submarine. In addition, the Navy is undertaking 
long-term development efforts to design next generation destroyers and 
aircraft carriers, to be procured in the middle of the next decade. Both 
of these new ship classes will operate at lower costs than their 
predecessors by taking advantage of innovative technologies.
   Along with new ships, the Navy will continue to develop and procure 
highly-capable weapons for a number of missions. For defense against 
missiles and aircraft, the budget continues procurement of Standard 
Missiles. The budget also supports the development of the Tactical 
Tomahawk missile, an improvement to the current Block III version of 
this ship-launched land attack weapon. The budget supports investments 
in ship self-defense to provide close anti-air defense for surface 
ships, and in gun and missile technologies to improve the Navy's 
delivery of fire support for Marines and soldiers ashore.

   Modernizing Air Forces: For the United States to maintain its ability 
to dominate battles in the next century, substantial investment in new 
tactical combat aircraft is necessary. The budget supports three new 
aircraft programs. First, it provides $2.9 billion to start full-rate 
production of 36 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, which will become the Navy's 
principal fighter/attack aircraft in the next decade. Second, it funds 
the procurement of the first production lot of six F-22 Raptors, the Air 
Force's new air superiority fighter, at a cost of $1.9 billion. Full-
rate production of the F-22 should be achieved early in the next 
century. Third, $477 million is provided to continue R&D of new 
materials and manufacturing processes for the Joint Strike Fighter 
(JSF). The JSF is DOD's largest, most ambitious tactical aircraft 
program and is designed to produce a family of aircraft for the Air 
Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. It is scheduled to start replacing about 
3,000 aging aircraft (F-16s, F/A-18C/Ds and AV-8Bs) in 2005.
   Joint missile procurement programs include the Advanced Medium Range 
Air-to-Air Missile and the Joint Standoff Weapon. Procurement continues 
for the Joint Direct Attack Munition--an inexpensive guidance kit which 
transforms unguided bombs into precision guided munitions. In addition, 
the Navy's program to upgrade existing Harpoon missiles into Standoff 
Land Attack Missiles--Expanded Response continues. The budget also funds 
R&D into various munitions programs of the future, such as the AIM-9X 
Sidewinder missile and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile.
   DOD and its industry partners are developing Evolved Expendable 
Launch Vehicles to provide our military more efficient, economical 
access to space and ensure a competitive U.S. space launch industry able 
to provide continued access to space well into the 21st Century.

  Developing Technologies to Defend Against Strategic Ballistic 
Missiles:  The budget proposes $837 million in 2000 to continue 
developing a National Missile Defense system to protect the United 
States from a limited ballistic missile attack. This is a very ambitious 
and technically challenging program, but if the United States decides in 
2000 to pursue deployment, the budget will enable the Administration to 
deploy an effective system in 2005. The Administration's long-range 
defense plan includes about $9.0 billion in 2000-2005 to cover 
development, procurement, and construction costs.
  Developing and Deploying Defenses Against Theater Ballistic Missiles: 
The budget proposes $2.9 billion to develop and deploy systems to defend 
against missiles that directly threaten U.S. and allied forces deployed 
to specific theaters. While the funding is primarily for research and 
development of advanced systems to meet future threats, it includes $301 
million to procure an advanced version of the Patriot missile and $55 
million for the Navy's Area Theater Ballistic Missile

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Defense system which will be deployed in the near term.
   Establishing Information Dominance: America's preeminence in using 
information on the battlefield has helped us establish the world's 
strongest military. The commander who can better observe and analyze the 
battle while disseminating highly accurate information to his forces has 
a powerful advantage over the adversary. Joint Vision 2010, DOD's vision 
for the future, focuses on the continued development of command, 
control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and 
reconnaissance capabilities. This effort will enhance the accuracy of 
weapons and allow more effective use of forces. The Army plans to 
``digitize'' a division by the year 2000--that is, equip it so that 
accurate, timely information about the battle can be transferred rapidly 
among U.S. forces. The budget includes funding for Navy and Air Force 
automated command and control systems and land and space-based 
communications networks. It also includes funds for battlefield 
surveillance assets, such as unmanned aerial vehicles for all military 
departments. DOD, with the Department of Transportation, is also funding 
upgrades to the Global Positioning System navigation satellites to allow 
the United States to maintain a military advantage while providing 
enhanced navigation capabilities to civilian users worldwide. The budget 
provides funds to purchase national sensors (e.g., satellites) to help 
our leaders better anticipate, monitor, and respond to crises. These 
assets will play a key role in both military operations and national 
security decision-making, and will enable commanders to direct the 
battle and respond to threats more effectively.

Taking Care of Military Personnel and Their Families

   Enhancing Pay and Compensation: The Administration is strongly 
committed to enhancing the quality of life of troops and their families, 
which is essential for retaining and recruiting high-quality personnel. 
The budget proposes a 4.4 percent pay raise, effective January 2000, and 
targeted pay raises for selected grades, to help ensure that military 
compensation remains competitive with private sector wages. In addition, 
the budget contains a proposal to enhance military retirement benefits.
   Improving Other Quality of Life Programs: The budget includes 
substantial funding to improve the quality of health care, military 
housing, and child care programs. Enhancements to such family support 
programs can help reduce the stresses associated with military life, 
such as frequent family separations. The budget also increases funding 
for educational initiatives that will enhance learning opportunities for 
military and eligible civilian dependents worldwide by providing a full-
day kindergarten program, reducing the pupil-teacher ratio to 18:1 in 
grades 1-3, and piloting a summer school program. These initiatives are 
commensurate with the President's educational programs designed to 
enhance learning opportunities in the early years.
   Supporting Our Nation's Youth: The National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe 
program, authorized under U.S.C. Title 32, is a civilian youth 
opportunity program that provides military-based training, including 
supervised work experience in community service and conservation 
projects, to young people who have left secondary school prior to 
graduation. This activity provides life skills and experiences that 
enhance the employment potential of those participating in the program. 
For 2000, the budget sustains funding for this program at last year's 
level of $62 million.

Managing Our Defense Resources More Efficiently

   Pursuing Competitive Sourcing: DOD is implementing an aggressive 
competitive sourcing program for its infrastructure and support 
activities, including base utility services, general base operations, 
family housing, logistics support, training, property maintenance, and 
distribution depots. Competitive sourcing will produce estimated savings 
of $6 billion from 1998 to 2003, with savings thereafter of at least $2 
billion annually.
   Eliminating Excess Infrastructure: DOD has facilities that it no 
longer needs because infrastructure reductions have lagged behind force 
reductions. Excess facilities drain resources that could otherwise go to 
modernization, readiness, and quality of life. To address the problem, 
DOD will send legislation to Congress to seek two more rounds of base 
closures and realignments in 2001 and 2005. In addi

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tion, the budget supports an aggressive program to demolish unneeded 
infrastructure located on remaining bases.
   Improving Financial Management: DOD is continuing to implement the 
most comprehensive reform of financial systems in its history. Both 
finance and accounting systems are being consolidated and overhauled. 
Internal controls are being strengthened to reduce and then eliminate 
``problem disbursements,'' reform the contractor payment process, 
improve computer security and fraud detection, and transform its 
financial statements. For example, DOD has cut the category known as 
problem disbursements from a total of $34.3 billion in June 1993 to $8.1 
billion in August 1998. Such steps will provide managers with more 
accurate and timely financial information.
   Streamlining the Civilian Work Force: Since 1993, DOD has cut its 
work force by nearly 29 percent, or about 269,000 positions, and it will 
continue to streamline its civilian work force while maintaining 
quality. As the QDR and DRI recommended, DOD plans to implement further 
reductions of 60,000 full-time-equivalent civilian positions. During 
this drawdown, DOD will provide transition assistance for affected 
employees.
   Implementing the Information Technology Management Reform Act 
(ITMRA): Also known as the Clinger-Cohen Act, ITMRA is designed to help 
agencies improve mission performance by effectively using information 
technology. One example is the Global Command and Control System, which 
supports U.S. forces by improving their ability to process and transfer 
critical military information quickly and accurately. The Secretary of 
Defense has established a DOD Chief Information Officer Council to 
manage DOD's annual $26 billion information technology and command, 
control, and communication budget and provide advice on ITMRA-related 
issues. In addition, DOD is continuing to restructure its work processes 
while applying modern technologies to maximize the performance of 
information systems, achieve a significant return on investments, cut 
costs, and produce measurable results.