Findings and Recommendations - Implications of Emerging Micro-and Nanotechnologies - page 202

Research Laboratory has initiated a planning process to enhance its effectiveness
in this all-important area (P3), but more needs to be done to strengthen the Air
Force's internal programs and to ensure that they assimilate and leverage the
results of the very extensive programs under way throughout the worldwide
scientific community (P4).
Finding P1. Both overall DoD and—even more—Air Force policies have
de-emphasized R&D spending to the detriment of DoD and Air Force long-
term needs. The Air Force relies heavily on the technological sophistication
of its platforms, systems, and weapons. Its ability to meet its long-term objec-
tives is critically dependent on a strong and continuing commitment to R&D.
Recommendation P1. The Air Force must significantly increase its R&D
funding levels if it is to have a meaningful role in the development of micro-
and nanotechnology and if it is to be effective in harnessing these technolo-
gies for future Air Force systems. DoD and the Air Force have historically
funded a majority share of the nation's research in information technologies.
Their funding retrenchment represents a national de-emphasis on the future
of this critically important war-fighting capability.
Finding P2. The military market for many micro- and nanotechnologies
(e.g., advanced computing, communications, and sensing) is small in com-
parison with commercial markets. Yet, the Air Force and DoD have mission-
specific requirements not satisfied by the commercial market. Military-spe-
cific applications will not be supported by industry without government and
Air Force investment, particularly in basic research.
Recommendation P2. The Air Force should concentrate its efforts in micro-
and nanotechnology on basic research at the front end and on Air Force-
specific applications at the back end. Rather than competing with the com-
mercial sector, Air Force should stay strongly connected to commercial ad-
vances and adapt them to Air-Force-specific requirements.
Finding P3. The Air Force has recognized the importance of micro- and
nanotechnologies for its future capabilities and has begun a planning pro-
cess to maximize the benefits of the in-house and extramural research pro-
grams. Strong leadership will be necessary to ensure maximum benefit from
the Air Force Research Laboratory research programs. The Air Force has
coupled its programs with other research programs within DoD, especially
those of DARPA and DDR&E.
Recommendation P3. It will be critical to continue the planning for micro-
and nanotechnologies at the highest levels of the Air Force Research Labo-