Reliability Needs in Future DoD Systems

An overview will be presented of the military challenge we are currently facing along with our investment strategy for developing advanced weapons systems. The major role of improved reliability in reducing both the operation and maintenance costs as well as increasing our military combat capability will be examined along with the key role of R&D programs in meeting future reliability requirements. Finally, some of the new policies we have initiated aimed at developing a more effective DoD R&D program will be presented. Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a distinct pleasure for me to join with you in the sixth annual DARPA/AF review of progress in quantitative nondestructive evaluation. The agenda certainly promises a very stimulating and technically exciting meeting. I would like to provide you with a cursory overview of current OSD thinking as to the threats we are facing, and the future capabilities we are currently developing. The role of improved reliability in both reducing operation and maintenance costs as well as increasing our military capability wi 11 be ex ami ned and the key ro 1 e of R&D programs in meeting future reliability requirements will be discussed. Finally, some of the new policies we have initiated to develop a more effective R&D program will be presented.