The Defense Science Board 1999 Summer Study Task Force on 21st Century Defense Technology Strategies. Volume 1
Abstract
As the nation moves toward the 21st century, the United States faces a dynamic international environment that will impose new complexities in military operations. Today's potential adversaries are more adaptive and have increasing access to asymmetric capabilities to offset U.S. military capabilities. The Department of Defense is embarking on a process of transforming the military to stay ahead of future security challenges. Although the United States currently enjoys military superiority, retaining this advantage will require a balance between maintaining relevant legacy forces, facilities, and systems and developing new and different capabilities. The 1999 Summer Study Task Force was asked to examine 21st century defense technology strategies to meet the national security challenges of the next two decades. Specifically, the Terms of Reference asked the task force to review and consider the broad spectrum of topics addressed in the 1990 DSB summer study; address 21st century intelligence needs and adversaries; expand and build on the recommendations for technologies, operational capabilities, and force characteristics developed in the 1998 DSB summer study; examine the need for and use of all forms of information to achieve full spectrum battlespace dominance; and examine defense technology strategy, management, and acquisition. The task force found that developing a full spectrum joint rapid response operations capability can be an effective way to focus the activities of the DoD. Thus, the task force focused on capabilities, technologies, and organizational changes associated with developing joint and combined rapid response capabilities that can support a range of contingency operations. This study addresses three enablers essential for developing this capability: Strategic Agility, Information for Decision Superiority, and Force Protection. This report consists of two volumes. Volume I presents the major findings, and Volume II provides supporting materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA433941
Entities
People
- Donald Latham
- V. L. Lynn
Organizations
- Defense Science Board