What is the final document of the planning phase?

The final document of the planning phase is the Defense Planning Guidance (DPG). The DPG serves as a key directive that outlines the priorities and strategic objectives that guide the budgeting and resource allocation for defense programs. It establishes the framework for defense planning, strategy, and operations, ensuring that all defense financial management aligns with national defense objectives.

The planning phase is a critical time when the Department of Defense translates strategic goals into actionable plans. The DPG synthesizes various inputs, including national security objectives and fiscal constraints, to provide a clear direction for the accompanying documents and processes that follow, such as the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) and the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP).

The DPG allows for a cohesive approach to defense resource management, ensuring that all programs are aligned with the overall mission and strategic goals of the Department of Defense. This makes it not just instrumental but also the final crucial output of the planning phase that informs subsequent phases and documents.