Achieving the Desired Structure of the Defense Industry in the 21st Century

Abstract

A reorientation of the international security environment and a revolution in military affairs has occurred. As a result, the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)'s controlling policies, practices, laws and the Services budgets and requirements priorities do not match present needs. Numerous environmental factors have contributed to this disparity, with the most influential being the rise of a holistic view of security, future unpredictability, the impact of globalization, and changes within the structure of the defense industry. In light of these factors, several important assumptions about the future environment must be made. Our research indicates that a continuation of irregular threats and conflicts will likely occur, and defense budgetary pressures will grow stronger. Concurrently, the rapid growth of technology will continue to complicate how defense issues are approached. All of these issues will be influential factors for twenty-first century defense planning. In order to meet the demands of the future, we recommend that the United States must be able to create an effective, agile, and affordable joint military force by forming a robust, responsive, efficient and innovative DIB. It must also update its policies and practices to permit the effective creation, acquisition management and support of large, complex systems, systems-of-systems and services.