Zeroing In: A Capabilities-based Alternative to Precision Guided Munitions Planning; Disseration rept

摘要

Over time, the Department of Defense (DoD) has institutionalized a yearly munitions planning process that plans for specific wars and results in the accumulation of large munitions stocks. It is called the DoD Munitions Requirements (MR) process. The institution s creation made sense in the context of the cold war where the threat was of an immediate and tremendous loss (50, 000 tanks crossing into Europe) that could be countered by geographically specific worst case planning. The MR process does not make as much sense today. The DoD faces increasing uncertainty about both the threats it will face and the amount of money it will receive to prepare for them. The requirements process predicts demand for munitions based on specific scenarios, and does not include cost as an integral factor. The resulting demand, called the requirement, is used to inform and justify munitions acquisitions, and shapes the structure of the industrial base. Such a process that takes mission, demand, and funding for given is perhaps no longer a good match to today s reality. Furthermore, today s rapid technological advances and diverse engagements have quickly changed tactics and weapon preferences and can be expected to do so in the future.