Industrial Base Mobilization: Recommendations for Improvement Unheeded

摘要

The Defense Industrial Base -- some debate the distinction, but for the purposeof this paper, they are interchangeable, has been and continues to be of concern, particularly as it is a major component of National Security. Given its importance, there have been numerous discussions, debates, and studies and ICAF research papers concerning both the 'Industrial Base' and the 'Defense Industrial Base'. These studies are generally discussed as having negative conclusions: the 'base' is on the decline, the government isn't doing enough to save 'critical industries', we need an 'industrial policy', 'just another study', governments in other countries do more, the capability to mobilize for 'the long haul' won't be there when it is needed, etc. Of even more concern is the negative perception held by many that no matter how many studies there have been or how many more there are, the likelihood for significant improvement is low. This paper will: Determine which of the recommendations from previous studies have not been implemented (by government and industry) and more importantly, the rationale for not implementing them.