Defense Industry Key to Military's Performance

Saturday, March 1, 2003

Defense Industry Key To Military’s Performance by John J. Politi (NAPSA)—More than a half century after America became the “Arsenal of Democracy,” U.S. mili- tary power remains very much dependent on manufacturing and technological superiority. However, the defense industrial 4 base has been characterized by consolidation and shrink: age over the past 10 a ae years as the Department of Defense P ae (DoD) reduced prooliti — grams and production at the end of the Cold War. Since then, thousandsof jobs have been lost in the defense industry as DoD budgets were cut and companies turned from relying on defense business to commercial markets. With layoffs still occurring and little new talent coming in, the defense industry workforce has aged rapidly. The problem is acute in the areas of science, engineering and manufacturing personnel. Compoundingthis, a large number of employees are eligible for retirement in the next five years. Their departure will result in a devastating loss of experience andskill. Meanwhile, our nation’s education system is failing to equip America’s youth with the necessary math andscience skills to succeed in high-tech professions. The U.S. industrial base is vital to sustaining, modernizing and transforming our armed forces today and for the future. While we cannot bring back the “Arsenal of Democracy,” we can and must reinforce the remaining industrial base. This should be done using wise acquisition strategies and sound contracting and business practices. We need to encouragea climate wherein the mutually beneficial partnership between the military and industry can thrive. Moreover, we must nurture and strike the right balance in the relationship between the private sector, logistics centers, research labs and academia. The industrial workforce must also be replenished with new talent. A new commitment is needed to improve mathematics and science education from the elementary level through graduate school. This should include incentives such as scholarships and intern- ship programs to encourage more students to pursue thesefields. John J. Politi is the Chairman of the Board of the Air Force Asso- ciation. For more information, visit the Air Force Association's Web site at www.afa.org or write to the Air Force Association, atin: Policy and Communications, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198.

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