Ground Combat Systems (Formerly Land Combat Systems and Land Domain) May 31, 2024

Ground Combat Systems

The U.S. ground combat vehicle industry faces a critical decision between continuing the production of legacy systems and developing new autonomous, attritable vehicles. With budget constraints and rising international insecurity, the Department of Defense's Replicator initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of large numbers of autonomous systems. The U.S. Army, along with Congress and the defense industry, is working to address technological challenges and develop systems for this initiative. The study recommends the U.S. Army focus on autonomous systems, engage Congress on Replicator's implications, and allocate additional funding for Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs) to foster technological diversity. It suggests the Next Generational Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team take more risks in RCV development to get them into the hands of warfighters sooner. Further, the study advocates for rapid prototyping efforts and continued support for modular open systems approaches. Key technologies like machine learning and AI are vital for the success of RCVs, requiring additional R&D to ensure they can effectively integrate into military formations and enhance all six Army warfighting functions.

Networking and Media (Formerly NewsMedia) May 31, 2024

Advancing Cyber Defense and Information Integrity: A Comprehensive Approach to Securing U.S. National Security

Despite significant efforts in legislation, strategy, and policy, current defenses against cyber and information operations are likely inadequate to counter the growing threat of malign cyberspace activities. The U.S. faces considerable challenges in protecting critical infrastructure and democratic processes from sophisticated cyber threats and disinformation campaigns. Adversaries, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, use cyber-attacks, economic espionage, and influence operations to disrupt government functions, destabilize democracy, and challenge U.S. global leadership. Cyberspace’s appeal to malign actors lies in its low cost, scalability, and deniability, allowing easy manipulation of digital environments, from social media to critical infrastructure. Cyber tools exploit vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and human factors, making everything connected to the internet a potential target. The increasing use of artificial intelligence and algorithms further complicates defense efforts. To address these threats, a comprehensive "whole-of-government and society" approach is necessary. This includes strengthening cybersecurity defenses, promoting digital and media literacy, regulating social media, and fostering public resilience. Greater collaboration with industry, academia, and citizens is essential to implement successful strategies. Additionally, U.S. strategy must expand offensive cyber capabilities to deter adversaries when defense and deterrence fail. The paper recommends four main actions: 1) Expanding education and messaging to combat cyber and disinformation threats. 2) Strengthening partnerships for sharing intelligence and coordinating defense strategies. 3) Enhancing cybersecurity regulations for critical infrastructure and digital platforms. 4) Modernizing infrastructure and cyber defenses while using cyber compellence to deter malign activities. In conclusion, the U.S. must adopt a whole-of-society approach to strengthen its cyber and information operation defenses, involving allies, the private sector, and the public to safeguard national security, protect democracy, and secure America's global role.

Organic Industrial Base May 31, 2024

Reforming the U.S. Organic Industrial Base and Safeguarding the Indo-Pacific Through Regional Sustainment

The Eisenhower School’s Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Industry Study Seminar explored whether U.S. maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacities can sustain military forces in the Indo-Pacific, especially from 2027-2030, amid rising competition with China. The seminar found that the current OIB lacks sufficient capability, with an aging workforce, deteriorating infrastructure, and fragile global supply chains. Policies also fail to fully utilize foreign MRO facilities. To address this, the seminar recommended creating a "Responsive OIB" by leveraging MRO services from U.S. allies and partners (A&P) in the Indo-Pacific, which could mitigate readiness challenges. The Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) could help by positioning MRO services closer to contested areas, improving supply chains, and enhancing interoperability. The Department of Defense should reform OIB locations, integrate A&P MRO services, and develop a civilian maintenance reserve force. Additionally, improving infrastructure, incorporating cyber resiliency, and aligning MRO with future weapon system acquisitions are essential for readiness.

Space May 31, 2024

The Strategic Necessity to Integrate Commercial In-Space Servicing, Assembly, And Manufacturing (ISAM) into United States Space Force Capabilities

The creation of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) reflects the growing strategic and economic importance of space. The rapid development of commercial space technologies, particularly In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), offers the USSF opportunities to enhance its space capabilities and maintain superiority. By investing in commercial ISAM, coordinating with allies, and fostering market growth, the USSF can achieve long-term cost savings and innovation. The report recommends policy actions such as adjusting USSF resource allocations, stimulating ISAM market competition, creating a Space Investment Fund, and advocating for regulatory reform. These steps will help the USSF stay competitive and lead in space operations.

Strategic Materials May 31, 2024

Mining for the Future: The Critical Role of Strategic Materials in U.S. National Security

The United States faces significant challenges in securing supply chains for strategic materials crucial to national security and economic prosperity. With rising global demand for non-fuel minerals essential for advanced technologies, defense, and renewable energy, the U.S. must enhance supply chain resilience to reduce dependence on foreign sources, particularly China. China has established dominance in the strategic materials market through aggressive investments in mining and processing, giving it an advantage in the global supply chain. This includes state-backed initiatives in mining, refining, and midstream processing, as well as leveraging its position as a manufacturing hub. As a result, the U.S. is at a strategic disadvantage in this critical sector, especially amid global competition. The mining industry also faces challenges, including long development timelines, high capital investments, and market volatility, which complicate profitability and project support. Developing new mines can take over a decade and involves significant financial risk due to the cyclical nature of mineral markets. To maintain a competitive edge, companies must innovate in extraction methods and sustainability while optimizing operational efficiency.

Transportation and Logistics (Formerly Global Agility) May 31, 2024

Reinvigorating U.S. Transportation Infrastructure: Investing To Enable Power Projection, Underwrite National Security, And Maintain Advantage in Great Power Competition

The U.S. must reassess its transportation and logistics infrastructure, which supports both military and economic power. The system is fragmented, with uncoordinated investments and increasing foreign competition, particularly from China. This has weakened the U.S.'s ability to mobilize forces and respond to crises, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and infrastructure failures. To improve, the U.S. must invest in updating key infrastructure, address labor issues, and better coordinate with allies. A senior coordinator should be appointed to lead a long-term strategy, integrating technology, innovation, and partnerships to strengthen the U.S. logistics base.

Weapons (Formerly Munitions) May 31, 2024

Hypersonic and Directed Energy Weapons: Emerging Capabilities Necessary for Competition and Containment

Current global conflicts underscore significant shifts in modern warfare, particularly the rising costs of defending against small, affordable systems and the strategic advantage of undetected, on-demand strikes. In response, the U.S. is investing heavily in hypersonic and directed energy weapons. However, despite years of testing and billions of dollars spent, these technologies have yet to be deployed at scale. The Department of Defense (DoD) needs a cohesive strategy to effectively advance these initiatives, as current requirements are unclear, and development efforts have led to stalled progress. Additionally, the lack of collaboration with allies has resulted in underutilized resources and capabilities. To expedite the development and deployment of credible hypersonic and directed energy weapons, the DoD must establish centralized authorities and prioritize partnerships. These weapons are critical to maintaining U.S. technological superiority, especially as peer adversaries like China and Russia have developed similar capabilities. Emerging technologies, such as hypersonic and directed energy systems, are reshaping warfare, as demonstrated in the Ukraine and Israel conflicts, where low-cost drones overwhelm expensive kinetic interceptors. To enhance national and global security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. must strengthen its deterrence strategies and leverage these advanced technologies. While these weapons offer strategic advantages, critics question their cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and overall utility, making the need for efficient and rapid development even more pressing.