Defense Forensics: Additional Planning and Oversight Needed to Establish an Enduring Expeditionary Forensic Capability
Abstract
DOD used expeditionary forensics for collecting fingerprints and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to identify, target, and disrupt terrorists and enemy combatants in Iraq and Afghanistan. The increased incidence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other asymmetric threats has increased the demand for expeditionary forensic capabilities. Many of DoD's expeditionary forensic activities are resourced through DoD's Overseas Contingency Operations funds. DoD estimates that it cost between $800 million and $1 billion of these funds from 2005 through 2012 to support expeditionary forensics activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, as military operations are projected to draw down in Afghanistan, this funding is expected to substantially decline by the end of 2014. Consequently, DoD is taking steps to establish expeditionary forensics as an enduring capability in DoD's base budget. GAO was asked to examine DoD's expeditionary forensic capability. This report assessed the extent to which DoD has taken steps to establish an enduring expeditionary forensic capability. To address this objective, GAO reviewed relevant policy, plans, and budget estimates, and interviewed cognizant DoD officials. GAO is making four recommendations to DoD, including incorporating key elements in its strategic plan, periodically reviewing and evaluating DoD components' proposed forensic budget estimates, including expeditionary forensics, and issuing guidance on collecting and reporting forensic budget data. DoD concurred with all four recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA581006
Entities
People
- Alberto Leff
- Amber Lopez Roberts
- Amie Steele
- Brian J. Lepore
- Grace Coleman
- Latrealle Lee
- Marc Schwartz
- Sabrina Streagle
- Terry Richardson
- Tim Persons
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office