Evolving Research, Development and Acquisition Strategies in the Global War on Terror

A PM’s Perspective

COL Craig G. LanghauserProject Manager

27 March 2008

Asymmetric Acquisition

• Anti-Western Elements:

– R&D Assets – Internet– Industrial Base – Local Market, Internet– Success Criteria – Single Use, Make Headlines

• Coalition of the Willing:

– “Rapid” Acquisition Processes – ONS & AR2B– Rapid Equipping Force (REF)– Unchanged Success Criteria:

• Suitable,• Effective, • Repeatable, and• SUSTAINABLE

IndCrew

Collective

• Peer/Near Peer Threats • Mission Essential Task List (METL)

• Attack or Defend•Move, Shoot, & Communicate

• Building Blocks• Prescriptive Training (TRADOC)

• Who, What, When, How Long• Adequate Resources

• Technology Progression• System Engineering Enhancements

CrewCollective

Ind

• Asymmetric Threats• Core and Directed METLs (CMETL & DMETL)

•Defense, Offense, Stability, or Civil Support•Lethal and Non-lethal

• Concurrent Training• Commander Driven Training• More Tasks than Resources Available• Gap Flux

• Disruptive Technology Application• System Engineering Vulnerabilities

Full Spectrum OperationsHigh Intensity Operations

Operational Changes

Challenges

• Training:– Commanders need a Broad Continuum of TADSS– Maximize Scarce Resources Especially Time– Versatile– Interoperable

• Acquisition:– Rapid Action

• GWOT & Supplemental Funding – use or lose• Short Fielding Windows

– Reset Driven• Uneven Modernization (Multiple Variants within a Configuration)• Uneven Fielding (Multiple Variants at an Installation)

PM Strategy

• Technical Approaches– Common APIs, DIFs, & Protocols– Common Components– Interoperable Applications– Open Architectures– Gaming Technology

• Contracting Approaches– Non Proprietary– Government Purpose Rights– Off the Shelf Solutions– Services that might transition to a Program of Record

DIS, HLA

Back Up Slides

• Limited War: A war whose objective is of smaller scope than total defeat of the enemy.

• Total War: "Total war is distinguished by its unprecedented intensity and extent. Theaters of operations span the globe; the scale of battle is practically limitless. Total war is fought heedless of the restraints of morality, custom, or international law, for the combatants are inspired by hatreds born of modern ideologies. Total war requires the mobilization not only of armed forces but also of whole populations. The most crucial determinant of total war is the widespread, indiscriminate, and deliberate inclusion of civilians as legitimate military targets." - Roger Chickering's definition in Total War: The German and American Experiences, 1871-1914

GWOT is a Total WarGWOT is a Total War