Missile Defense: The Need for a Single Development Process
Abstract
With the announcement of the National Security Presidential Directive -23, the United States was committed to produce a set of initial missile defense capabilities by 2004. This was achieved. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is charged with developing and deploying a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) in capability blocks to defend the U.S. homeland, deployed forces, friends, and allies. The MDA in concert with USSTRATCOM developed a Warrior Involvement Process (WIP) to give Geographical Combatant Commanders a venue to make known their needs and capability desires. The Department of Defense established the Missile Defense Executive Board to provide executive oversight of BMDS development, acquisition, and procurement. This study examines the current developmental processes and recommends that DoD institute a single development process that includes participation from DoD, Military Services, MDA, USSTRATCOM, and Combatant Commands. Furthermore, research suggests that including allies in the development process would unify the protection stance world-wide. In addition, it would save U.S. costs, and send a clear message to nations seeking to proliferate ballistic missiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498106
Entities
People
- Brian J. Disinger
Organizations
- United States Army War College