PPBE Process Overview, Planning, and Programming
What PPBE Is
PPBE Definition
The Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Process is the Department of Defense's resource allocation system.
Ultimate Objective
PPBE Objective
The ultimate objective of the process is to provide the best mix of:
- Forces
- Equipment
- Manpower
- Support
…attainable within fiscal constraints according to DoDD 7045.14, *The Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Process*.
Goal
PPBE Goal
The goal of the process is to achieve the defense objectives established by the U.S. President and the Secretary of Defense outlined in the strategic planning and joint planning guidance.
What the System Helps Leaders Do
PPBE Helps Leaders
This system helps leaders:
- Establish and forecast a budget to ensure sufficient funds are available
- Increases management effectiveness by applying judgment and experience to:
- Programs
- Resource limitations
- Other program adjustments
- Assessing alternatives for mission accomplishment
PPBE Phases — Four Interrelated and Overlapping
Four PPBE Phases
The PPBE process has a framework that decides on future capabilities and provides an opportunity to reexamine prior decisions in light of:
- Evolving threats
- Economic conditions
- Security concerns
Four Phases Listed.
- Planning
- Programming
- Budgeting
- Execution
Planning
Planning Phase Definition
The USAF translates top-down guidance into plans and requirements for which a future year's defense program can be developed.
Planning Activities
Planning:
- Defines and examines alternative strategies
- Analyzes external conditions and trends
Long-Term Implications
During the planning phase, changes and long-term implications of decisions are examined.
Streamlined Planning Helps
Planning Connection
Streamlined planning and assessments help:
- Prioritize objectives
- Assess strategies
- Provide the link between planning and programming
Planning Measures Execution
Planning also provides an objective against which the USAF can measure execution success.
Programming
Programming Phase Definition
During the programming phase, planning policies and guidance are addressed, and initial program costs are established.
Matching Resources to Requirements
Programming Match
By programming, the USAF matches available resources (fiscal, manpower, and materiel) against validated requirements to:
- Achieve the strategic plan
- Submit program proposals
Key Programming Objective
POM Goal
The key objective of programming is to develop a balanced, capabilities-based Air Force Program Objective Memorandum (POM).
POM Defense
POM Defense Activity
In addition, the USAF:
- Defends the POM during program review and budget review
- Adjusts the program as a result of:
- Office of the Secretary of Defense reviews
- Changing national and international situations
Tradeoffs Inevitable
Programming Tradeoffs
While the USAF and other military departments link planned requirements with the resources needed to provide them, tradeoffs are inevitably involved beyond those in the planning process.