Are there things going on within the research community that, in looking at the prospects for this research, in light of the decisions that we are going to make on acquisitions, that would cause you to say, 'Hey, wait a minute.'

Do you expect that to maybe result in even more leveraging of funds?

This is a hearing that I requested. You supported an amendment that I offered to the budget resolution which dramatically increased the amount of funding for S&T research.

Well, that is the classic problem with all of our acquisitions. I mean, they just take too darn long.

Mr. Aldridge, do you believe that there are changes that the Department can take to make it easier for industry to participate in military R&D efforts?

currently, the NNI is balanced across five broad activities: fundamental research; grand challenges; centers and networks of excellence; research infrastructure; and the ethical, legal, and societal implications.

Dr. Andrews, why is this approach necessary when we already have DARPA, an entity that is the military's high-risk manager for research and development?

Do you believe that this strategy fits the profile of a 'high risk' acquisition strategy?

Congress shares some of this blame, as it has taken funds from these crucial accounts and used them to pay for the near-term modernization or procurement needs of today's military.

Mr. Aldridge and Dr. Etter, please address how funding levels for DOD basic research impact not only military capabilities, but also the pool of skilled scientists and engineers who will drive innovation and change.

Do you believe that the Army will receive the level of financial support from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to aggressively support this process?

It is a resource question. It is not a technology question.

Using the Army Science Board to study this issue makes sense and I wholly support their effort.

Do we have existing a pretty good funding of that trail? I mean, is it--do we have enough resources--

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have an opening statement that I would like to put in the record.

Dr. Andrews, based on your assessment of historical trends for Army Science and Technology investment, are these reasonable dates?

Mr. Aldridge and Dr. Etter, do you believe that the levels of funding for basic research are adequate to propel transformation throughout the services?

Do you see that as creating an incentive for the private sector to do more research funding?