Operational Commander's Need Today's Technology Today.
Abstract
Our Operational Commanders have a legitimate need for today's technology today but are prohibited from attaining it. One reason is that our acquisition definitions have not kept pace with the evolution of technology. Another reason is that our acquisition policies, strategies and regulations remain mired in a Cold War 'invest in technology' paradigm when our situation requires a strategy of 'procurement of technology'. Our acquisition cycle remains at 12-15 years while the technology evolution cycle is currently less than two years. DOD's decision to enter into a Dual-Use program with commercial industry, releasing previously prohibited technology, has contributed to the acceleration. This accelerated availability of state of the art technology has allowed potential threats to procure and employ today's technology. Our attempts at reform have been unsuccessful, in terms of getting technology to the warfighter sooner, because they are focused on refining the existing process rather than restructuring it to meet the new needs. It appears that even though the Operational Commanders have a legitimate need for today's technology, the processes that are designed to facilitate its evolution are preventing responsive production and fielding. This deceleration of fielding may be putting our Operational Commanders and their forces at potential risk to adversaries that can get to the technology today. This dilemma must force us to examine our acquisition strategy and ask ourselves whether we truly are supporting the needs of the warfighter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 12, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307350
Entities
People
- Harrison D. Fountain
Organizations
- Naval War College