November 12, 2002

Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge Jr.

Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics

3010 Defense Pentagon

Washington, D.C.  20301-3010

Dear Under Secretary Aldridge:

We, the undersigned members of the Coalition for National Security Research (CNSR), encourage the Bush Administration to strongly support Defense Department science and technology programs in the fiscal year 2004 budget request and in the future years' defense plan. We endorse the recommendations of the Defense Science Board and the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review Report that 3% of the Defense Department's budget should be allocated to DOD's basic, applied and advanced technology development (6.1, 6.2, and 6.3) programs.  

Strong support of these programs is critical as the nation addresses new threats to national security.  The benefits of a robust DOD S&T investment are evident as our Armed Services respond to unprecedented challenges to national security.  Supporting a military research enterprise at the level recommended by the DSB and the QDR in the administration’s request to Congress will allow DOD planned and directed science to strategically contribute to our military's technological superiority and its ability to respond to its future responsibilities.  This funding would ensure that U.S. Armed Forces always have access to new technologies at the frontiers of science.  

DOD's S&T programs provide critical investments in scientific disciplines vital to ensuring future security, including engineering, mathematics, and physical, computer, and behavioral sciences. These S&T programs make essential contributions to national defense by fueling innovation and training future scientists and engineers.  Defense S&T programs support research in our nation's universities, DOD laboratories, and private sector laboratories, linking fundamental scientific discoveries and future military applications.

 We commend the support the Administration and Congress have provided for the 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 programs in the FY2003 Defense appropriations bill.  To sustain this momentum, CNSR recommends that the Bush Administration allocate 3% of its FY 2004 Defense Department request for core 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 programs.

                Sincerely,

 CC:     James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force

Thomas E. White, Secretary of the Army

Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy

Mitchell E. Daniels, Director, Office of Management and Budget

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