In January 2012, the Department of Defense released Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense. It was issued in the context of the 2011 Budget Control Act, which required reductions in planned defense spending.
The document called for a rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific region, continued attention to the Middle East, a smaller and more flexible force, and investment in areas such as cyber and space.
Supporters said it matched strategy to resources, while critics questioned whether the force would be adequate. It is often compared with later strategies.
