Page 4 - Leverage and Learn

Leverage Allied Investments and Combat Learning Experience in Modernizing the U.S. Military

INTRODUCTION

In this Special Report, we look at a number of areas in which core allies have created new capabilities, which
compliment and can supplement US capabilities.

The shift from slo mo to preparing for high tempo and high intensity operations is a major challenge for the
US military and its allies. It is about a culture shift, a procurement shift, an investment shift. But mobilization is
even more important than modernization.

To get ready for the shift, inventory needs to become more robust, notably with regard to weapons. In
visiting US bases, a common theme in addition to readiness and training shortfalls, is the challenge of basic
inventory shortfalls and the need to find ways to accelerate modernization of the forces.

One way to do so would be leverage extant allied programs and capabilities which if adopted by the US
forces would save money but even more importantly ramp up the operational capability of the US forces and
their ability to work with allies in the shortest time possible. By so doing, the US could target investments
where possible in break through programs which allies are NOT investing in.

At the same time, with the introduction of the F-35 and P-8 as new combat assets for US forces, core allies are
operating these assets in the same time period as the US and are or will contribute significant operational
innovations to these core platforms, and as such are plank holders in global innovation for even the most
advanced US combat assets.

Opening the aperature for cross adaptation is crucial with the new combat systems, and with the software
upgradeable platforms. These changes will also pressure not simply the outdate US acquisition system but the
dysfunctional and ponderous US security system. With “secret squirrels” placed everywhere in the combat
system, the ability to leverage data and to do on the fly decision making will not be possible and with that
the sub-optimization of the US combat forces or worse.
The F-35 program is a stake in the heart of the classic modernization system of DOD but if the old practices
prevail, the significant potential of the program will be lost as well.

In this Special Report, we focus on the twin dynamic of allied innovations and the opportunity to leverage
these innovations to enhance both coalition and American combat capabilities.

For are most recent Second Line of Defense Forum, which is focusing on the shift from slow mo to high intensity
operations and the impact of such a shift, see the following:

http://www.sldforum.com

OVERVIEW
The Trump Administration has come to power promising to correct readiness shortfalls and slow roll out of
inventory and modernization. But there simply is not enough time and money to do readiness and training
plus ups, mobilization and rapid modernization.

Donald Trump as a businessman might take a look at how DoD could actually functions as an effective
business in equipping the force and having highlighted the question of allies might be pleased to learn of
significant allied investments in new combat systems which his own forces can use, thus saving money and
enhancing capability at the same time.

Second Line of Defense

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