I
n the 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) created what later became
known as DoD’s Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE)
System. It was intended to be a structured approach for aligning resources to
strategies, planning long-term resource development, and assessing program
cost-effectiveness. Such a system must continue to evolve to ensure continuing rel-
evance. Recognizing changes in the strategic environment, the industrial base, and
military capabilities, in 2021, Congress called for the establishment of a Commis-
sion on PPBE Reform.
1
To support the Commission on PPBE Reform, RAND researchers conducted
case studies of the budgeting processes of two near-peer competitors (China and
Russia),
2
of international defense organizations in eight allied and partner nations
(Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore,
and Sweden),
3
and of six non-DoD U.S. federal government agencies.
4
RAND
ANDREW DOWSE, MEGAN MCKERNAN, JAMES BLACK, STEPHANIE YOUNG, AUSTIN WYATT, JOHN P. GODGES, NICOLAS JOUAN,
JOANNE NICHOLSON
AUKUS Collaboration Throughout
the Capability Life Cycle
Implications for Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and
Execution Processes
Expert Insights
PERSPECTIVE ON A TIMELY POLICY ISSUE
June 2024
