The first-ever national defense strategy (nds) was initiated by secretary of defense (secdef) rumsfeld in 2005, and then updated in 2008 by secdef gates. however in 2012, secdef panetta released sustaining u. s. global leadership: priorities for 21st century defense, sometimes referred to as the and widely understood to be the replacement for the nds. this strategic document was written to identify defense priorities in the face of budget cuts.

Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG)

Key features of the "DSG" document:
... Shift focus from current wars to preparing for future challenges.
... While retaining efforts in the Middle East, shift geographical priorities to the Asia & Pacific region.
... Go beyond stabilization of existing operations -- aim at projecting power in areas where US access and freedom to operate are challenged.
... Shift to smaller, more agile military forces that can mobilize quickly.
... Shift to advanced capabilities like Special Operations Forces, intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance, unmanned systems (drones), and cyberspace technologies.