Abstract
Research Overview
With Iraqi insurgents building ever-more powerful homemade bombs, the Pentagon is finalizing plans to put a high-level general in charge of a new task force that will try to harness the expertise of the CIA, FBI, businesses and academics to combat the guerrillas' most lethal weapon. The Pentagon has devoted two years to finding ways to combat the makeshift bombs, known as improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. Yet in the view of some senior generals, the IED problem remains a low priority in Washington. General. John P. Abizaid, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, has been pushing for a more focused, government-wide effort to address the largest threat facing U.S. troops in Iraq. In the last six months, more than 60% of U.S. troop fatalities in Iraq have been the result of IEDs. Experts are warning that the improvised explosives are likely to be a large problem for U.S. forces for years to come, not only in Iraq but also Afghanistan. A small task force launched in July 2004, led by Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Votel, has been credited with developing various technologies to combat the IED threat, such as equipping soldiers with electronic devices to detonate the makeshift bombs before they can damage U.S. military convoys. The task force has an annual budget of about $1,200.0 million.
The Navy and Marine Corps exist to control the seas, assure access globally, and project power beyond the sea, so that events can be influencedand advance American interests across the full spectrum of military operations. The FY 2006/FY 2007 budget funds programs to transform C4ISR assets so forces are relevant to current and future threats. The DON seeks to sustain a balanced R&D effort, and ensure joint interoperable, networked systems. The goal is to replace costly legacy platforms with more efficient and capable integrated systems. Advanced sensors, long-duration UUVs and UAVs, high-performance onboard computers, transparent communications, and automated intelligence analysis will provide the Navy and Marine Corps with high resolution situational awareness. Information will be available on enemy-location, strengths, weaknesses, and intentions. Many of the potential threats will be identified and targeted. Friendly forces and assets will be visable. Cooperative engagements against difficult targets will be routine. Smart standoff weapons with high-precision guidance will destroy enemy targets with great efficiency. Battle damage assessment will be prompt and accurate.
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