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In May 2008, the American Institute of Physics endorsed the following statement issued by the Coalition for National Security Research, of which it is a member:Coalition for National Security Research - Fiscal Year 2009 Funding Statement The Coalition for National Security Research (CNSR) is gratified and appreciative of the renewed commitment to 6.1 basic research shown by the Administration in its FY2009 budget. We are encouraged by the Administration’s movement toward meeting the recommendation in the Rising Above the Gathering Storm report that called for a 10-percent increase in defense basic research. The proposed $300 million increase for competitive basic research funding represents a major step toward ensuring that our country’s future national and economic security needs are met. CNSR welcomes this acknowledgement of the importance of basic research. CNSR urges that the renewed focus on basic research be approved in conjunction with achieving the Pentagon's stated goal of three percent of the Department's budget be spent for the Defense S&T program – 6.1 basic research, 6.2 applied research, and 6.3 advanced technology development. The 6.1 basic research accounts support the long-term scientific discovery that provides the foundational knowledge for the next technologic advances. The 6.2 applied research accounts refine discoveries by exploring and determining the operational parameters and practicality of the technology to military needs. The 6.3 advanced technology development accounts support the creation of larger-scale hardware and technology to be tested in realistic environments. The components of the Defense S&T enterprise are inextricably intertwined and should not be viewed as separate. Rather, they represent complementary segments of a single R&D continuum. Defense S&T programs also provide education and training opportunities for the next generation of scientists and engineers by supporting graduate students and postdocs on research grants. Additionally, Defense S&T programs provide fellowship opportunities for top undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. These individuals will lead and guide technological advancements that will shape future defense technologies. Sustained research and technological advances are made possible not only by supporting the best and brightest scientists, but also simultaneously cultivating the next generation of intellectual talent. Defense S&T programs are the foundation for U.S. technological superiority on the battlefield and protecting U.S. military personnel and equipment. These programs are critical to our nation's security. We request that Congress and the Administration work cooperatively to ensure that the entire Defense S&T budget is funded in FY2009 at a level sufficient to meet current and future military needs. We appreciate the difficult choices Congress must make in a tight fiscal environment and respectfully ask for full consideration of this request. |
