Short-term reductions in defense readiness funds would allow the Defense Department to allocate more resources toward development of future weapons and equipment, according to a study from a Washington think tank.

Reuters reports the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments brought in defense budget experts over the summer to examine how the Pentagon could work through steep budget cuts.

Under the Budget Control Act, the Pentagon is required to cut $500 billion over a decade and that would double that amount over that same timespan if the sequestration mechanism kicks in Jan. 2.

According to National Defense Magazine, the CSBA divided 70 participants into seven teams during the summer exercise and asked them to form a future military force with 10 percent fewer funds.

Sandra Erwin writes the teams were not allowed to cut military or civilian pay and benefits and were given access to a database of 600 budget items for cutting or shifting around.

Todd Harrison, a CSBA scholar, told Reuters the most successful team looked 20 years ahead to determine the kind of force the U.S. would need, then worked backwards to determine how to get there.

Todd Harrison, a CSBA scholar, told Reuters the most successful team looked 20 years ahead to determine the kind of force the U.S. would need, then worked backwards to determine how to get there.