The Modernization Dilemma: A Case Study of Systematic Failures in U.S. Army Acquisition Through the Lens of the M10 Booker

Abstract

This case study examines programmatic issues that lead to cancelation, focusing specifically on the M10 Booker program. This research collects and analyzes available data to determine the root cause of failure for the M10 using the Ishikawa diagram and compares these findings to other high-level programs determining potential commonalities. The goal of this research is to determine lessons learned that could be applied to future acquisition strategies to help prevent potential cancelations or determine indicators that programs are on an unrecoverable path. The findings suggest that each program had similar issues and some differentiating concerns; the common trend among the three programs, and reason for the cancelation determination, was based on the evolving demands of future combat that the current materiel solutions could not satisfy. With this finding, the research group makes the recommendation to continuously revalidate programs on a new assessment cycle and ensure that materiel solutions address a validated gap for current and future warfare.