Build-to-Shelve Prototyping

The lag between the fielding of systems and the development ofconflict-winning employment tactics and doctrine is a historical fact wedare not neglect. Yet, DOD acquisition strategy appears to be on the path todo just that. Foregoing the expense of producing weapon systems- an understandable expedient in the budget crunch- has been widely criticizedbecause of its effects on the defense industrial base. Former Secretary ofDefense Les Aspin's new approach, called "rollover plus," recognizes theneed for operational testing. What's been missing from the debate aboutthese alternatives is how any approach that severely limits the numbers ofend items fielded also adversely impacts our ability to developconflict-winning employment doctrine.