Build-To-Shelve Prototyping

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