Blechman said the “Strategic Agility” plan could be implemented without jeopardizing U.S. strategic interests at various funding levels, whether the defense budget is increased over the next decade or cut by $500 billion as required by the automatic trigger.

“If defense plays a part in solving the overall fiscal crisis, it’s still possible ... through implementation of this strategy to defend our real interests in the world,” Blechman said.

The group estimated the Pentagon could achieve up to $500 billion in savings over a decade through better manpower usage, up to $300 billion through compensation reform and more than $100 billion using better purchasing practices.