Issues in Air Force Science and Technology Funding

The science and technology (S&T) program supported by the Department of Defense (DOD) is a large undertaking ( $11B in 2004) aimed at ensuring continued technological superiority of the U.S. military. Exercising stewardship over this program is of great importance. In this regard the program is subjected to numerous reviews dealing with its relevance, viability and productivity. At various levels of detail, every element of the program is reviewed. However, the sum of all the reviews does not constitute an assessment of the entire DOD S&T enterprise. This study examines why this is the case and examines the prospects for rectifying this situation.