What strategic document released in 2012 is often referred to as the replacement for the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

The strategic document released in 2012 that is often referred to as the replacement for the National Defense Strategy (NDS) is "Sustaining US Global Leadership: Priorities for the 21st Century Defense." This document outlines the United States' strategic objectives and priorities in terms of defense and military strategy, responding to the changing global security environment at that time. It emphasizes the need for the U.S. to maintain its global leadership while adapting to new threats and challenges, thereby serving as a guiding framework for military operations and resource allocation.

In contrast, the Defense Authorization Act primarily serves as legislation that sets budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense and does not provide a strategic military framework. The Quadrennial Defense Review, though related, is a comprehensive examination of the defense strategy that occurs every four years but isn't directly a replacement for the NDS itself. The National Military Strategy, while addressing military objectives, does not encapsulate the broader strategic priorities like "Sustaining US Global Leadership" does. Hence, the emphasis on global leadership and response priorities in the context of 21st-century challenges makes the 2012 document a pivotal strategic directive for U.S. defense policy.