The Insider

Tri-Mode Seeker
By John Liang
August 26, 2011 at 4:41 PM

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate and Lockheed Martin have signed a five-year, cooperative research and development agreement to assess the viability of the company's cooled tri-mode seeker for integration onto Air Force weapon platforms, according to a Lockheed statement issued this morning:

"We will work closely with Lockheed Martin to leverage their mature seeker technology with some of our novel in-house targeting concepts. Our scientists are excited to begin incorporating these proven tri-mode seekers into data collects, algorithm developments and subsystem evaluations," said Buddy Goldsmith, chief of the U.S. Air Force's Weapon Seeker Sciences Branch and Seeker Phenomenology Evaluation and Research (SPEAR) facility.

Lockheed Martin and AFRL will work together over the next five years to thoroughly assess tri-mode weapon capabilities, emerging targeting concepts and guidance techniques.  Data and analysis from this effort will enable AFRL to develop a baseline for integrating seekers onto future U.S. Air Force weapon platforms intended to engage stationary and mobile targets in day, night and adverse weather conditions.

"We are pleased the U.S. Air Force is interested in further evaluating our tri-mode seeker and pushing it to its operational limits," said Frank St. John, vice president of tactical missiles in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. "We have continued developing and testing our seeker hardware and software for other customers and applications since the end of the Small Diameter Bomb II competition, and we look forward to demonstrating our mature seeker still offers superior effectiveness at the best value."

Lockheed Martin’s cooled tri-mode seeker is based on three combat-proven weapon systems: Javelin, LONGBOW and HELLFIRE. The first-generation tri-mode seeker was developed in 2001 for the Common Missile program; later generations were developed for the Small Diameter Bomb II and other weapon systems. The seeker, now in its fourth generation, has undergone thousands of hours of laboratory, tower and captive-carry tests and has been proven in dirty battlefield testing and in guided flight.

The tri-mode seeker combines a semi-active laser sensor, an imaging infrared (I2R) sensor and a millimeter-wave radar into a single seeker with a common aperture. The cooled I2R sensor provides passive detection and lock-on-before-launch from substantial standoff ranges, significantly increasing warfighter survivability. All three sensor modes run simultaneously and share information in flight, allowing warfighters to defeat moving and stationary targets on land, at sea, in adverse weather and in an obscured/countermeasure environment, with true fire-and-forget capability.

Lockheed Martin’s tri-mode seeker recently defeated a variety of countermeasures and obscurants in a series of challenging and realistic battlefield environments. Test results demonstrated all three sensor modes successfully communicated and worked collaboratively to effectively address and defeat each countermeasure and obscurant, targeting both moving and stationary targets.

'Budgetary Bargaining Chip'
By John Liang
August 25, 2011 at 7:46 PM

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is "becoming a budgetary bargaining chip," according to a just-released research note from analysts at Wall Street firm Credit Suisse.

The analysts' note references a letter sent yesterday by a key Republican senator urging Ashton Carter, the Obama administration's deputy defense secretary-nominee, to "step up" his defense of the JSF, suggesting that Carter's role in recent Pentagon decisions to restructure the program demonstrates "a lack of commitment to the success" of the F-35. As InsideDefense.com reported yesterday:

In a letter sent to Carter today, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) directly links the Senate's consideration of Carter's nomination for the Pentagon's No. 2 post to the lawmaker's concerns about the F-35, which is assembled by prime contractor Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, TX. Carter, the Pentagon's acquisition executive, has played a pivotal role in decisions over the last two years to restructure the program, including deferring the procurement of 246 aircraft and plowing an additional $7.2 billion and two more years into the fighter's development phase.

"I am concerned that the DOD’s failure to sufficiently defend and advocate for the F-35 program has enabled and even invited unwarranted criticisms from many corners, including calls for partial or complete cancellation of the program," Cornyn writes. "It is my hope that, as deputy secretary of defense, you would be a champion of the F-35 program, using your voice to remind Congress that this weapon system is one our nation cannot do without."

"I strongly encourage you to step up your defense of this key program," Cornyn's letter states.

In a statement to InsideDefense.com, a Defense Department spokeswoman said: "We've received the letter, it asks important questions, and we look forward to sending a response."

The Credit Suisse research note issued this afternoon states that the Cornyn letter "illuminates proponents' rising fear of F-35 program vulnerability." Specifically:

Sen. Cornyn's perception triggers strong inference that [the Office of the Secretary of Defense] may target both F-35 Force Structure and Procurement quantities, under constrained 2013-2017 [program objective memorandum] deliberations. This concern is exacerbated by immediate flat-lining of [Defense Department] Base Budget for 2012-2013, under recent Budget Control Act.  (USAF currently plans to procure 1,763 CTOL; and Navy/USMC 680 CV/STOVL; for 2,443 total DoD orders - see F-35 funding charts inside)

Cornyn's Approach May Have Limited Impact: This Congressional effort at "hard-bargaining" bears obvious risk, given overriding focus by OMB & OSD Leadership on meeting Defense Funding "caps"; delayed nature of final 2013-2017 POM decisions in November-December; and level of Senate goodwill for Secretary Panetta. We think Senator Cornyn's action is unlikely to be supported by [Senate Armed Services Committee] Chairman [Carl] Levin (D-MI) or Ranking Member [John] McCain (R-AZ), who both harbor strong concerns over F-35 production cost-growth, and estimated future sustainment costs. (Nor does Senator Cornyn sit on SASC Air/Land Subcommittee, with jurisdiction over F-35). This also reinforces importance of F-35 LRIP 5 "Should Cost" Review (~October), because that will be the next insight into F-35 Unit-cost affordability.

Joint Ops
By John Liang
August 25, 2011 at 5:23 PM

The Pentagon earlier this month released an updated doctrine document on conducting joint operations. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen writes in the introduction to Joint Publication 3-0:

This revised edition of Joint Publication 3-0, Joint Operations, reflects the current guidance for conducting joint activities across the range of military operations and is the basis for U.S. participation in multinational operations where the United States has not ratified specific doctrine or procedures. This keystone publication forms the core of joint warfighting doctrine and establishes the framework for our forces' ability to fight as a joint team.

Often called the "linchpin" of the joint doctrine publication hierarchy, the overarching constructs and principles contained in this publication provide a common perspective from which to plan and execute joint operations independently or in cooperation with our multinational partners, other U.S. Government departments and agencies, and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations.

As our Nation continues into the 21st century, the guidance in this publication will enable current and future leaders of the Armed Forces of the United States to design, plan, organize, train for, and execute worldwide missions as our forces transform to meet emerging challenges. To succeed, we need adaptive and thinking professionals who understand the capabilities their Service brings to joint operations; how to integrate those capabilities with those of the other Services and interorganizational partners to optimize the strength of unified action; and how to organize, employ, and sustain joint forces to provide national leaders with multiple options for addressing various security threats. Above all, we need professionals imbued with a sense of commitment and honor who will act decisively in the absence of specific guidance.

I challenge all commanders to ensure the widest distribution of this keystone joint publication and actively promote the use of all joint publications at every opportunity. I further challenge you to study and understand the guidance contained in this publication and teach these principles to your subordinates. Only then will we be able to fully exploit the remarkable military potential inherent in our joint teams.

China Report: Today
By
August 24, 2011 at 2:42 PM

Michael Schifer, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, will hold a press briefing today on the Pentagon's report to Congress on the “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.”

The briefing is set for 2:00. We'll have details and the report as they are available.

China Report
By Christopher J. Castelli
August 23, 2011 at 3:40 PM

Pentagon spokesman Col. David Lapan told reporters this morning that the Defense Department expects to send Congress a tardy annual report on China's military later this week.

Defense officials will also brief reporters on the document, he said.

The report is due to Congress each March, but is typically late. Asked why this year's edition is late, Lapan said, "It's a very complicated undertaking."

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) has been urging DOD to submit the document. (See his letter here.)

GCV Debriefing
By Sebastian Sprenger
August 22, 2011 at 8:06 PM

The losing contractor team in the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle competition is slated to get a debriefing from the government tomorrow in Detroit, according to Melissa Koskovich, a spokeswoman for lead company Science Applications International Corp.

While an SAIC-Boeing team was not selected to partake in technology development for the program last week, the meeting is crucial because it could determine whether the contractors believe they have grounds to file a protest with the Government Accountability Office.

Following a debriefing, companies typically have 10 days to file their case with GAO.

The SAIC-Boeing team had pitched a vehicle based on the chassis of the German Puma, which was to be extended to house a nine-man squad.

Citing federal procurement laws, an Army spokesman said he was unable to confirm or deny the date of the SAIC-Boeing debriefing.

Guard Up
By John Liang
August 22, 2011 at 6:26 PM

The National Governors Association is continuing its push for legislation that would clarify and strengthen the National Guard's role within the Defense Department. In a letter sent today to Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the NGA states:

The nation's governors appreciate your work to support the National Guard and thank you for introducing the National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2011. This legislation represents an important step forward in ensuring that our National Guard is properly trained, equipped, and resourced to fulfill its federal and state missions and that the Guard is properly represented within the Department of Defense.

The National Guard serves as a unique resource in the nation’s defense by supporting overseas missions and protecting the homeland.  Since September 11, 2001, hundreds of thousands of National Guard members have served in federal combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the same time, the men and women of our National Guard have helped protect the safety and security of citizens during the response to domestic emergencies. The National Guard’s presence in our communities is a cornerstone of state preparedness and response capabilities and helps reduce the need for federal assistance during times of crisis.

The National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act recognizes the importance of the Guard’s overseas and homeland defense missions.  Governors agree with the legislation’s objectives of further clarifying and strengthening the role of the National Guard within the Department of Defense and ensuring the National Guard is able to carry out domestic operations in support of civilian authorities.  These initiatives reflect and support the important role of the National Guard. We look forward to working with you to further these efforts.

Budget Compliance
By Jason Sherman
August 22, 2011 at 3:55 PM

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the Pentagon is working with OMB to revise spending blueprints for fiscal year 2013, his first comments on budget matters since OMB Director Jacob Lew on Aug. 17 directed executive branch agencies to prepare plans that are 5 percent and 10 percent below FY-11 spending levels.

“As always, we will work with OMB,” Panetta told the DOD-run American Forces Press Service in a story published online Friday afternoon. “They provide all kinds of guidance as we discuss how we approach these issues.”

The Pentagon's FY-11 budget allocation, excluding war costs, is $530 billion. A 5 percent cut, or $26.5 billion, would lower the military's FY-13 base budget to $503.5 billion. A 10 percent cut to projected FY-13 Pentagon spending, a $53 billion decrement, would push DOD's topline down to $477 billion and be in line with defense spending cuts required under the new law if Congress this fall does not agree to a long-term plan to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion.

More from the AFPS story:

Defense Department officials are working with the Office of Management and Budget on guidance issued yesterday that all agencies’ fiscal 2013 budget requests be at least 5 percent less than current appropriations.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today that Defense officials are working with OMB to determine what that will mean for the DOD budget.

“I don’t think this is necessarily a sea-change event,” he said, adding that Pentagon officials for months have been working toward a goal of cutting $400 billion from the budget over the next 10 years.

Planning Ahead
By Thomas Duffy
August 22, 2011 at 1:48 PM

The House of Representatives will end its August recess and get back to work Sept. 7, leaving only 24 days in fiscal year 2011. When the House comes back its appropriators will have to consider the adjustments to the FY-12 appropriations bills imposed by the debt ceiling agreement and prepare to hammer out final appropriations bills with the Senate.

With that in mind, late on Friday House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) issued the following statement:

“The Appropriations Committee has repeatedly and successfully made significant spending cuts this year that have drastically changed the trajectory of federal spending, trimming billions of dollars and imposing strict spending reductions so we don’t leave our children with mountains of debt. We will continue to work in this vein -- in a bicameral manner -- prioritizing House-passed Appropriations bills in negotiations and completing our Appropriations work as soon as possible. It is imperative that the Congress complete these must-pass bills in a timely manner to avoid the harmful, destabilizing effects caused by a delayed and drawn out Appropriations process.

“In addition, my Committee members and I remain committed to the responsible 2012 spending level agreed to by the House, Senate, and White House under the recent debt ceiling agreement. The work we do on our Appropriations bills this year will fulfill this agreement by reducing discretionary spending from current levels – saving the taxpayers billions – and steering agency budgets across the federal government to more sustainable and responsible levels.”

Efficient Instructions
By Thomas Duffy
August 19, 2011 at 2:45 PM

With a nod toward giving the taxpayer what he's paying for, the top White House budget officer this week sent a memo to all government department heads outlining how the Obama administration wants to operate a more efficient, effective and accountable government.

In his Aug. 17 memo, Office of Management and Budget Director Jacob Lew said there are two management efforts that need the immediate attention of all department chief operating officers:

"First, under the GPRA Management Act, COOs are responsible for leading their agency's efforts to set priority goals; designating a senior official responsible for each goal; and reviewing progress quarterly to improve performance and reduce costs. The attached guidance provides more information on the Act's requirements for agencies

Second, COOs must ensure that their agencies are redoubling their efforts to cut waste, as required by Executive Order 13576, "delivering an Efficient, Effective and Accountable Government." Executive Order 13576 initiated the Campaign to Cut Waste and charged the Vice President with meeting with cabinet members to monitor agency progress on waste reduction, performance and management improvements. Chief Financial Officers are expected to lead agency efforts to implement the requirements of the Campaign to Cut waste, in accordance with guidance issued by the Controller on June 28, 2011."

Lew's memo includes a 39-page attachment that gives detailed instructions to the department COOs on how to carry out these efforts.

Strategic Planning
By
August 18, 2011 at 8:46 PM

As Inside the Pentagon notes today, the Pentagon is planning to release an updated version of its Strategic Management Plan this month, according to Deputy Chief Management Officer Beth McGrath.

The plan lays out strategic priorities, such as acquisition, IT infrastructure, and the total workforce mix, among its seven key goals, McGrath said following a Government Executive conference panel Tuesday.

DOD released the last version in December 2010, which overhauled a number of its initiatives and performance measures to align them more closely with the objectives of the Quadrennial Defense Review.

Shifted
By Sebastian Sprenger
August 17, 2011 at 5:05 PM

The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization has received congressional approval to shift $350 million within its accounts. The money is needed to boost JIEDDO's "attack the network" line, at the expense of the organization's "defeat the device" efforts, Pentagon Comptroller Robert Hale wrote in a June 17 reprogramming request that has been approved by the defense committees in Congress.

Of the $350 million, $134.2 million will go toward a "High Spectral Imaging Initiative" aimed at disrupting the IED supply chain, according to the document. The rest, $215.8 million, will finance various, unspecified joint urgent operational needs focused on attacking the network of bomb makers, suppliers and emplacers, the document states.

Unmanned Team
By Thomas Duffy
August 16, 2011 at 7:10 PM

On the day the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International is hosting a big event in Washington, Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) announced a teaming arrangement from his home district that is centered on unmanned aerial systems.

Turner, the chairman of the House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee, issued the following statement:

“Today the Dayton community has taken another step towards being a leader in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This agreement signed by Sinclair College and UAI will provide students with the tools to play an increased role in this expanding field. Already, UAS is a $100 billion industry. Currently, there is language passed by the House in the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which would place Dayton and Wilmington in a strong position to be future testing sites for UAS. An educated workforce with a focus on this field is a vital component which would help UAS become a significant job creator for our region.

"The agreement focuses on providing innovative training in the emerging industry of unmanned aerial systems. These classes will serve as the foundation for an emerging UAS program to be hosted by Sinclair College. The new class offerings will focus on the information technology side of unmanned aerial systems, including data analysis and full motion video where there is an enormous need for trained technicians."

According to its website, the UAI is a non-profit institute created to advance the UAS industry in North Dakota and the surrounding region.

Newly Commissioned
By Sebastian Sprenger
August 15, 2011 at 9:33 PM

Army Secretary John McHugh today announced the creation of a panel designed to overhaul what an service announcement described as a generating force stuck in the 1970s. The goal of the "Institutional Army Transformation Commission" is to implement changes -- and develop new ones -- formulated earlier this year by a task force carrying a similar mandate, according to an Army statement.

"While I've been encouraged by the task force's early work, the simple fact is that large-scale institutional transformation takes years to mature before agile, cost-effective organizations emerge -- with a culture of continuous improvement incorporated in all activities," McHugh was quoted as saying.

According to an Army spokesman, the commission will be led by Leonard Braverman, whose title is technical director in the office of the deputy under secretary of the Army. The maximum number of commission members is 15 from across the Army -- plus, perhaps, a few private-sector experts.

Rising SARs
By Dan Dupont
August 15, 2011 at 4:04 PM

The June 2011 Selected Acquisition Reports were sent to Congress last week, according to an information paper released by the Pentagon.

Quick highlights:

Reports were transmitted on Joint Tactical Radio System Ground Mobile Radio (JTRS GMR) for a Nunn-McCurdy breach, and AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) for a schedule breach.

The June 2011 SARs show a net cost decrease for all MDAPs of 1.0 percent, primarily due to JTRS GMR.

More to come.