After the jump is a good article quoting James B. Engle, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for science, technology and engineering on the importance of S&T in the GWOT. Engle states:
The United States Air Force is committed to defending America by unleashing the power of science and technology
Science, Technology Help Airmen Fight The War On Terror
The Batcam unmanned aerial vehicle and the Bombot robot were on display as James Engle testified before the House Armed Services subcommittee on terrorism, unconventional threats and capabilities. He is the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for science, technology and engineering. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Gary R. Coppage)
by Tech. Sgt. David A. Jablonski
for Air Force News
Washington DC (SPX) Mar 15, 2005
Science and technology are helping Airmen win the war on terror, a senior Air Force official told lawmakers March 10.
"The United States Air Force is committed to defending America by unleashing the power of science and technology," said James B. Engle, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for science, technology and engineering.
Mr. Engle and witnesses from other defense agencies' technology directorates testified in a hearing on the fiscal 2006 budget request before the House Armed Services Committee subcommittee on terrorism and unconventional threats.
Rep. Marty Sheehan, the committee's ranking member, said he considers funding for science and technology programs the single most important portion of the defense budget. He said better weapons benefit everyone.
To continue providing those weapons, Air Force officials requested $1.98 billion in the fiscal 2006 budget for science and technology. This includes $1.4 billion in core science and technology efforts, and $77.8 million in joint unmanned combat air vehicle funding.
Sustained commitment to continued funding is critical to success of these emerging systems, Mr. Engle said. The technology America enjoys is a result of commitment by the United States to give the Air Force the things it needs.
"We must prepare for both traditional and new forms of terrorism (including) attack on our space assets, attacks on our information networks, cruise and ballistic missile attacks on our force and territory, and attacks by adversaries armed with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-explosive weapons," Mr. Engle said.
He explained how the products of Air Force science and technology defend America against terrorism at home and abroad. Some of the newest Air Force systems were on display in the building where the hearings were held.
The Battlefield Air Targeting Camera
A robot, called a Bombot, destroys improvised explosive devices. The small off-road remote controlled vehicle, equipped with a small explosive charge delivery system, is now deployed in Iraq.
Mr. Engle also described technology that supports the joint warfighter.
One emerging technology uses Air Force expertise in metal-infused ceramics to develop more effective lightweight armor. Although intended for aircraft, the technology is being applied to body protection and has proved effective against shrapnel and small-arms fire. The armor is cheaper, lighter and easier to produce than standard plates, officials said.
Although the witnesses demonstrated similar innovative applications of technology, all said that capturing good ideas and turning them into deliverable systems posed a challenge.
Lawmakers also lamented the lag time in getting cutting-edge technological gear into the fight. Rep. John Kline said it is a recurring problem. He said small companies cannot get into the acquisition systems and that the system is way too slow.
Today the Government Accountability Office released a report entitled "DEFENSE MICROELECTRONICS - DOD-Funded Facilities Involved in Research Prototyping or Production." While I haven't read the report I am sure there are a number of important findings in the report of consequence to the university community involved in mincroelectronics research. The report was conducted at the behest of Mr. Weldon for the Tactical Air and Land Forces of HASC. The summary states
At the time of our review, eight DOD and FFRDC facilities that received funding from DOD were involved in microelectronics research prototyping or production. Three of these facilities focused solely on research; three primarily focused on research but had limited production capabilities; and two focused solely on production. The research conducted ranged from exploring potential applications of new materials in microelectronic devices to developing a process to improve the performance and reliability of microwave devices. Production efforts generally focus on devices that are used in defense systems but not readily obtainable on the commercial market, either because DOD’s requirements are unique and highly classified or because they are no longer commercially produced. For example, one of the two facilities that focuses solely on production acquires process lines that commercial firms are abandoning and, through reverse-engineering and prototyping, provides DOD with these abandoned devices. During the course of GAO’s review, one facility, which produced microelectronic circuits for DOD’s Trident program, closed. Officials from the facility told us that without Trident program funds, operating the facility became cost prohibitive. These circuits are now provided by a commercial supplier. Another facility is slated for closure in 2006 due to exorbitant costs for producing the next generation of circuits. The classified integrated circuits produced by this facility will also be supplied by a commercial supplier.DOD has several mechanisms in place aimed at coordinating and planning research conducted by the military services and defense agencies. One key mechanism is identifying defense technology objectives—the specific technology advancements that will be developed or demonstrated across multiple joint capabilities and technology areas. As of February 2004, there were almost 400 defense technology objectives; five of these were identified as microelectronics. DOD also collaborates with industry to review and assess special technology areas and make recommendations about future electronics and microelectronics research.