Department of Defense's Assessment Addresses Congressional Concerns but Lacks Detail on High Energy Laser Transition Plans
Abstract
In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, Congress directed the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a laser master plan to include identification of potential weapon applications, critical technologies, a development path for those critical technologies, and the funding required to carry out the master plan. In response to this legislation, the High Energy Laser (HEL) Executive Review Panel was formed and issued the HEL Master Plan on March 24, 2000. The Master Plan recommended establishing a management structure for HEL technologies, including a HEL Joint Technology Office (JTO) to execute development and day-today management of a joint program to revitalize HEL technologies. The plan also recommended establishment of a HEL Technology Councilcomposed of senior science and technology executives from the military services and agencies --- to provide oversight and approval authority for JTOs programs. As a result of the Master Plan, JTO was formed in June 2000. JTO collaborates with the military services and defense agencies in order to develop and execute an investment strategy for HEL science and technology (S and T) development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1167873
Entities
People
- Paul S Francis
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office