That is a really important point and one I have worried about.

General Lennox and General Phillips, will there be competitive prototyping for this program through a technology demonstration phase and into an engineering, manufacturing, and development phase?

The JSF program from the beginning was envisioned to be an international program.

Good luck. Congratulations.

Right. That is exactly my question.

General Lennox and General Phillips, the Army Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) envisions a more fuel efficient and powerful engine for the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopter fleet.

Yes. That is what is so critical.

the F-35 JSF is a really important program to our military. It is a big program. It is expensive, but it is critical.

I am concerned that recommendations involving the S&T community have not considered the full impacts.

The Army has been reassessing its modular armored and infantry brigade structures and will soon decide to add a third maneuver battalion.

The Army lacks a credible quantitative model and process for determining realistic, achievable requirements for modernization and recapitalization, given reduced budgets.

So the main purpose for this program is in terms of fuel consumption. Is that right?

I appreciate the answer. I appreciate your testimony. You have been very responsive. You are really an impressive group of leaders.

I just want to follow up on the Black Hawk. Am I correct that the Army is still committed to the full planned multiyear procurement buy of 511 aircraft, though the acquisition is down for this year?

I think holding back those aircraft was really important and I am glad that the international partners agreed.

But still, I presume that our goal is zero.

Any perturbation in the cost schedule and performance of the JSF program sends shock waves through the Department of Defense.

But if the goal is to improve fuel consumption and fuel efficiency, then why not invest in improving some of the existing engine programs for aircraft?

Their participation is important to the fiscal viability of the program.

I appreciate your checking to confirm that that is the still the buy.

Thank you, Admiral. It is a good beginning.

I guess I would put it that directly.

One of the steps that you have taken that was strong and I appreciate was that you told the contractor that you are withholding award of six of the fiscal year 2012 aircraft with the intent to award these six with the 2013 contract.

General Lennox and General Phillips, over the years there have been many assertions that the Army's current basic rifle and carbine should be replaced.

It is our responsibility here in this committee to understand what those challenges are so we can better advocate for you.