Can the Defense Technology Industrial Base Meet Surge and Mobilization Requirements

Abstract : The Defense Technology Industrial Base (DTIB) is in a state of decline. The National Security Strategy relies heavily on a healthy DTIB to maintain the deterrent capability of the armed forces and to reconstitute those forces in the event of a global war. The ability of the DTIB to fulfill these requirements is limited by a lack of facilities, access to raw materials, long lead times, a shortage of machine tools, and most importantly, a dwindling labor force. The impact of these factors can be minimized by first recognizing and understanding them and then planning to overcome them. The purpose of this paper is not to identify solutions for the ills of the DTIB, but to raise the awareness of the warfighters to the fact that there are serious problems with the DTIB.