Defense Technology Objectives of the Joint Warfighting Science and TechnologyPlan and the Defense Technology Area Plan

摘要

Technological superiority has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of ournational military strategy. Technologies such as radar, jet engines, nuclear weapons, night vision, smart weapons, stealth, the Global Positioning System, and vastly more capable information management systems have changed warfare dramatically. Today's technological edge allows us to prevail across the broad spectrum of conflict decisively and with relatively low casualties. Maintaining this technological edge has become even more important as the size of U.S. forces decreases and high-technology weapons are now readily available on the world market. In this new environment, it is imperative that U.S. forces possess technological superiority to achieve and maintain the dominance displayed in Operation Desert Storm. The technological advantage we enjoy today is a legacy of decades of investment in science and technology (ST). Likewise, our future warfighting capabilities will be substantially determined by today's investment in ST. In peace, technological superiority is a key element of deterrence. In crisis, it provides a wide spectrum of options to the National Command Authorities and commanders in chief, while providing confidence to our allies. In war, it enhances combat effectiveness, reduces casualties, and minimizes equipment loss. In view of declining defense budgets and manpower reductions, advancing military technology and ensuring that it undergoes rapid transition to the warfighter are national security obligations of ever greater importance. To fulfill these obligations, the Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDRE), has continually enhanced the strategic planning process for defense ST. The foundation of this process is the Defense Science and Technology Strategy with its supporting Basic Research Plan (BRP), Joint Warfighting Science and Technology Plan (JWSTP).