Inside DOD’s FY 2026 Budget

This course provides key insights from CSIS experts and practitioners on what the Trump Administration’s FY 2026 budget and strategy documents reveal about strategic priorities, major budget movements, force structure adds and cuts, and acquisition program changes.

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At a Glance

Course Date

To be Announced

Location

CSIS Headquarters or Virtual

Tuition

$1,250

Registration Deadline

To be Announced

Course dates subject to change based on budget release.

Course dates subject to change based on budget release.

Course Bundle

Register for both Meeting China's Military Challenge and Inside DOD’s FY 2026 Budget for a discounted rate of $3,000 and gain critical insights into the strategy, structure, and financial framework of the defense ecosystem in one comprehensive package.

Overview

The first defense budget of the second Trump administration promises major changes to strategy and programs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk, through his leadership of DOGE, are “moving fast and breaking things.” This CSIS executive program will give participants an early view of these changes and help them position their organizations for success in the new environment.  This intensive one-day program covers the major budget trends, the state of funding for Ukraine, Israel, and the border, major changes to personnel and force structure, acquisition reform, and new initiatives in missile defense. It concludes with the politics of the FY 2026 budget—how much will actually get done?

The course is led by an accomplished faculty with decades of experience in defense strategy and budget analysis. Interactive sessions will allow participants to apply course concepts to their own organizational context, explore the broader political and strategic implications for the defense domain, and connect with other professionals in the defense enterprise.

Curriculum

Seminars

The interactive seminars comprising the intensive, full-day Inside DOD's FY 2026 Budget course will unpack the Trump administration’s strategy documents and FY 2026 defense budget, assess their implications across the defense domain, and examine the political environment in which they will operate.

  • The Politics of the FY 2026 Budget
  • Major Budget Movements: Where Is the Money Going?
  • Changes in Military Forces: What Grows and What Gets Cut?
  • What’s Different with the Trump Administration’s National Defense Strategy?

Eligibility

CSIS is seeking a professionally diverse cohort of mid-career practitioners with 5 to 10 years of experience from across the U.S. and international military, government, private sector, and academic communities. Applicants for this course will be seeking to better understand the defense budgeting process and gain a more intimate understanding of the defense budget and its relevance for their organization or field. The course is structured to accommodate a range of experience. The selection committee will consider candidates' professional background as well as demonstrated interest in the fields of international security, defense, or other related areas.

How to Register

Interested applicants should fully complete the online registration form for this course, which requires a statement of interest, brief bio, and attached resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Note that spaces are limited and the course may fill before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact

For more information, please contact Halie Tolba, Learning and Development Coordinator, at HTolba@csis.org.