Future defense “budgets will require spending that puts defense and other components of national security on a glide path to support efforts commensurate with the U.S. national effort seen during the Cold War,” according to new recommendations from the Commission on the National Defense Strategy.

It said the national security apparatus is not prepared for a defense buildup, as Military Times reported.

The commission, established by Congress, said in its new report that Congress should repeal the Fiscal Responsibility Act spending caps to increase defense spending in the budget bills currently working their way through Congress.

Recruitment Revisions

The report also calls for an overhaul of the services’ recruitment efforts. It encourages them to turn away from traditional marketing such as billboards and further embrace social media and school visits.

“American society must understand the value of service—both military and civilian—and effective narratives should highlight how service to the nation contributes to society,” the commission wrote. “The fact that military retention rates remain high demonstrates that people involved in the services find value in their work; DOD should find more ways to showcase their experience. DOD must better inform Americans, with the backing of elected officials and business and civic leaders, about the unique experiences that military and government service can provide and how such service will serve Americans in their careers and lives.”

Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stuart Posada