This report suggests a framework for a country interested in assessing the scope of its military assets that have potential for transformation into peaceful, productive purposes as part of a post-conflict or structural adjustment package. This report draws no conclusions as to an optimal level of defense assets. Rather, once a political and strategic decision is made by a country to realign its military sector, this framework shows how successful management of the transformation of military assets may contribute to economic development and sustainable peace.
A military asset is defined broadly to include the stock of physical goods, land, human and financial resources controlled by the armed forces.