Trillions for Military Technology

Trillions for Military Technology explains why the weapons purchased by the U.S. Department of Defense cost so much, why it takes decades to get them into production even as innovation in the civilian economy becomes ever more frenetic, and why some of those weapons don't work very well despite expenditures of many billions of dollars. It also explains what do about these problems. The author argues that the internal politics of the armed services make weapons acquisition almost unmanageable. Solutions require empowering civilian officials and reforms that will bring choice of weapons "into the sunshine" of public debate.

"Many people know that the military budget has grown uncontrollably large, without understanding exactly how, or why, or how much of it is wasted, or whether it could be more sensibly addressed toward the nation s real security needs. John Alic s book is a significant step forward in clarifying all these issues - and especially in explaining why the commercial world s continuing application of advanced technology has been so much more effective and economical than the Pentagon s. This book is clear, specific, well-written, and very valuable. I hope whoever is devising the next Administration s policy on defense pays attention to it." - James Fallows, author of Blind into Baghdad and National Defense"Effectively combines basic technical understanding, a clear-sighted view of the way the process has evolved since the early 20th century, and close familiarity with the actual recent workings of the process. Many have noted the flaws in the defense acquisition process, but no one has soclearly identified their origins." - Barton C. Hacker, Smithsonian Institution

Auteur
John Alic writes and consults on policy issues related to technology and science, teaching most recently as an adjunct at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Contenu
Choosing Weapons Technology and Doctrine Korea and Its Aftermath: The Shift to High Technology Understanding Acquisition*Organizing for Defense Buying Military Systems: What the Services Want and What They Get Research and Weapons Design Complex Systems and the Revolution in Military Affairs Innovation and Learning in Peace and War Generation of Variety and Selection of Innovations * Taking Reform Seriously