00 000
2000
106 th Congress 2nd Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Report
106 616
FLOYD D. SPENCE
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
R E P O R T
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ON
H.R. 4205
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
[Graphic Image Not Available]
May 12, 2000.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
64 304
2000
106 th Congress 2nd Session
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Report
106 616
FLOYD D. SPENCE
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
R E P O R T
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ON
H.R. 4205
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
[Graphic Image Not Available]
May 12, 2000.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS
FLOYD D. SPENCE, South Carolina, Chairman
BOB STUMP, Arizona IKE SKELTON, Missouri
DUNCAN HUNTER, California NORMAN SISISKY, Virginia
JOHN R. KASICH, Ohio JOHN M. SPRATT, Jr., South Carolina
HERBERT H. BATEMAN, Virginia SOLOMON P. ORTIZ, Texas
JAMES V. HANSEN, Utah OWEN PICKETT, Virginia
CURT WELDON, Pennsylvania LANE EVANS, Illinois
JOEL HEFLEY, Colorado GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi
JIM SAXTON, New Jersey NEIL ABERCROMBIE, Hawaii
STEVE BUYER, Indiana MARTIN T. MEEHAN, Massachusetts
TILLIE K. FOWLER, Florida ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD, Guam
JOHN M. McHUGH, New York PATRICK J. KENNEDY, Rhode Island
JAMES TALENT, Missouri ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH, Illinois
TERRY EVERETT, Alabama SILVESTRE REYES, Texas
ROSCOE G. BARTLETT, Maryland TOM ALLEN, Maine
HOWARD ``BUCK'' McKEON, California VIC SNYDER, Arkansas
J.C. WATTS, Jr., Oklahoma JIM TURNER, Texas
MAC THORNBERRY, Texas ADAM SMITH, Washington
JOHN N. HOSTETTLER, Indiana LORETTA SANCHEZ, California
SAXBY CHAMBLISS, Georgia JAMES H. MALONEY, Connecticut
VAN HILLEARY, Tennessee MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina
JOE SCARBOROUGH, Florida CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ, Texas
WALTER B. JONES, Jr., North Carolina CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia
LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California
JIM RYUN, Kansas ROBERT BRADY, Pennsylvania
BOB RILEY, Alabama ROBERT E. ANDREWS, New Jersey
JIM GIBBONS, Nevada BARON P. HILL, Indiana
MARY BONO, California MIKE THOMPSON, California
JOSEPH PITTS, Pennsylvania JOHN B. LARSON, Connecticut
ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina
STEVEN KUYKENDALL, California
DONALD SHERWOOD, Pennsylvania
Robert S. Rangel, Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
Purpose
2
Relationship of Authorization to Appropriations
2
Summary of Authorization in the Bill
2
Summary Table of Authorizations
3
Rationale for the Committee Bill
10
Hearings
17
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
19
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
19
OVERVIEW
19
Aircraft Procurement, Army
22
Overview
22
Items of Special Interest
26
AH 64 modifications
26
Airborne reconnaissance low (ARL)
26
Airborne communications
26
Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE)
27
Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) modifications
27
CH 47 Chinook/UH 60 Blackhawk crashworthy fuel tanks
28
Helicopter crashworthy seats
28
TH 67 Creek
28
UH 60 Blackhawk
29
Missile Procurement, Army
29
Overview
29
Items of Special Interest
32
Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) system summary
32
Multipurpose individual munition (MPIM) advance procurement
32
Patriot advanced capability-2 (PAC 2)
32
Patriot anti-cruise missile (PACM)
32
Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army
33
Overview
33
Items of Special Interest
37
Armored vehicle launch bridge (AVLB) service life extension program
(SLEP)
37
Bradley base sustainment
37
Bradley fighting vehicle system (BFVS) series (modifications)
37
Heavy assault bridge (HAB) system
38
Improved recovery vehicle (IRV)
38
Industrial preparedness
38
M1 Abrams tank modifications
39
M113 carrier modifications
39
M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW)
39
MK19 3 grenade launcher
40
Small arms production industrial base
40
Ammunition Procurement, Army
40
Overview
40
Items of Special Interest
44
Army ammunition procurement
44
Other Procurement, Army
44
Overview
44
Items of Special Interest
54
Army data distribution system (ADDS)
54
Automated data processing equipment (ADPE)
54
Army training modernization
54
Combat support medical
55
Combat training centers instrumentation support
55
Communications equipment system upgrades
56
Construction equipment service life extension program (SLEP)
56
Cranes
57
Deployable universal combat earthmovers (DEUCE)
57
Family of heavy tactical vehicles (FHTV)
57
Family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV)
58
High mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)
58
Hydraulic excavator (HYEX)
58
Information system security program (ISSP)
59
Integrated family of test equipment (IFTE)
59
Laundries, showers, and latrines
59
Lightweight maintenance enclosure (LME)
60
M56 smoke generator system
60
M915/M916 line haul truck tractor
60
Night vision devices
60
Nonsystem training devices
61
Reserve component automation system (RCAS)
61
Ribbon bridge
62
Single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) family
62
Small tug
63
Standard integrated command post system (SICPS)
63
Standard teleoperating kit
63
Vibratory self-propelled roller
64
Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Army
64
Overview
64
Items of Special Interest
66
Chemical agents and munitions destruction
66
Aircraft Procurement, Navy
66
Overview
66
Items of Special Interest
71
Advanced helicopter emergency egress lighting system (ADHEELS)
71
AN/AVR 2A laser detecting set
71
AV 8B
71
C 40A
72
CH 60S
72
2 modifications
72
EA 6B modifications
73
73
F/A 18C/D tactical aircraft moving map capability (TAMMAC)
74
F/A 18E/F
75
HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program
75
H 46 modifications
76
H 53 modifications
76
KC 130J
76
T 45 training system (TS)
77
Tactical air reconnaissance pod system (TARPS)-completely digital (CD)
77
UC 35
78
Weapons Procurement, Navy
78
Overview
78
Items of Special Interest
82
Hellfire II missile
82
Improved tactical air-launched decoy (ITALD)
82
Joint standoff weapon (JSOW)
82
Standoff land attack missile-expanded response (SLAM ER)
82
Ammunition Procurement, Navy/Marine Corps
83
Overview
83
Items of Special Interest
84
Navy ammunition procurement
84
Marine Corps ammunition procurement
84
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy
84
Overview
84
Items of Special Interest
89
LHD 8 amphibious assault ship
89
Auxiliary dry cargo ship
89
Submarine force level
89
Submarine refueling overhauls
90
Other Procurement, Navy
91
Overview
91
Items of Special Interest
101
AN/SPS 73 (V) surface search radar
101
Aviation life support
101
Education support equipment
101
High-pressure cleaner
101
Joint tactical terminal
102
Mobile remote emitter simulator (MRES)
102
Nuclear attack submarine (SSN) acoustics
102
Operating forces industrial plant equipment
103
Other training equipment
103
Sonobuoys
103
Undersea warfare support equipment
103
WSN 7B ring laser gyro (RLG)
104
Procurement, Marine Corps
104
Overview
104
Items of Special Interest
109
Command post systems
109
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)
109
Improved recovery vehicle (IRV)
109
Material handling equipment
110
Modification kits (intelligence)
110
Radio systems
111
Small unit riverine craft (SURC)
111
Training devices
111
Aircraft Procurement, Air Force
112
Overview
112
Items of Special Interest
119
A 10 modifications
119
Aircraft navigational and passenger safety equipment
119
C 130 modifications
120
Compass call block 30/35 mission crew simulator (MCS)
120
C 135 modifications
121
C 17
121
C 17 reverse-affiliate units
122
Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 56
122
Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 80
124
124
125
125
126
127
8C joint surveillance and target attack radar system (STARS)
128
Lightweight environmentally sealed parachute assembly (LESPA)
128
Predator
128
T 3A modifications
129
Ammunition Procurement, Air Force
129
Overview
129
Missile Procurement, Air Force
132
Overview
132
Items of Special Interest
136
AGM 65 modifications
136
Medium launch vehicle (MLV)
136
Titan
136
Other Procurement, Air Force
136
Overview
136
Items of Special Interest
142
Automatic data processing equipment (ADPE)
142
AN/FPS 117 radar beacon replacement
142
Eagle vision
142
Rivet joint mission trainer (RJMT)
142
Senior scout
143
Situation awareness data link (SADL) gateway for the theater air
control system (TACS)
143
Supply asset tracking system (SATS)
143
Procurement, Defense-Wide
144
Overview
144
Items of Special Interest
149
Automated document conversion system (ADCS)
149
Counternarcotics discreet operations radio (CONDOR)
149
Patriot advanced capability 3 (PAC 3)
149
Portable intelligence collection and relay capability (PICRC)
149
Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense
150
Overview
150
Items of Special Interest
152
Chemical agents and munitions destruction
152
Chemical stockpile disposal project
152
Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness project (CSEPP)
153
Alternative technologies and approaches project
153
Non-stockpile chemical materiel project
153
Chemical agent identification sets
154
Assembled chemical weapons assessment (ACWA)
154
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
155
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
155
Sections 101 107--Authorization of Appropriations
155
Subtitle B--Army Programs
155
Section 111--Multiyear Procurement Authority
155
Section 112--Increase in Limitation on Number of Bunker Defeat
Munitions that May be Acquired
155
Section 113--Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Initiative
156
Subtitle C--Navy Programs
156
Section 121--Submarine Force Structure
156
Section 122--Virginia Class Submarine Program
156
Section 123--Retention of Configuration of Certain Naval Reserve
Frigates
156
Section 124--Extension of Multiyear Procurement Authority for
Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers
156
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs
157
Section 131--Annual Report on Operational Status of B 2 Bomber
157
Subtitle E--Joint Programs
157
Section 141--Study of Production Alternatives for the Joint Strike
Fighter Program
157
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
158
OVERVIEW
158
Army RDT&E
161
Overview
161
Items of Special Interest
170
Advanced artillery systems
170
Advanced battery technology
170
Aircrew coordination training
171
Apache Longbow focused modernization program
171
Army tactical unmanned aerial vehicles
171
Breacher system
171
Chinook helicopter modification and improvement
172
Comanche
172
Combat identification dismounted soldier (CIDDS)
173
Combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser
173
Common ground station
173
Communications and networking technologies
174
Defense manufacturing technology
174
Emergency preparedness training
175
Future combat system
175
Future rotorcraft technologies
176
Guardrail common sensor
177
Helmet mounted infrared sensor development
177
High-energy laser test facility
177
Hypersonic wind tunnels
177
Integrated inertial measurement unit-geo-positioning system
178
Land information warfare activity
178
Medical errors reduction research
178
Mobile tactical high energy laser
179
National automotive center-university innovative research
179
Passive millimeter wave camera
179
Real-time heart rate variability
179
Semi-automated imagery processor
180
Starstreak
180
Surveillance control data link (SCDL)
180
Thermal fluid based combat feeding system
181
Trajectory correctable munitions
181
Volumetrically controlled manufacturing technology
181
Navy RDT&E
182
Overview
182
Items of Special Interest
193
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle
193
Advanced anti-radiation guided missile
193
Advanced deployable system
194
Advanced technology demonstrations and fleet battle experiments
194
Advanced waterjet propulsor
195
Aircraft survivability study
195
Aviation depot maintenance technology
196
Aviation modernization plan
196
Battle force tactical trainer (BFTT)
197
Beartrap
197
C 2 eight-blade composite propeller system
198
Common command and decision system
198
Common towed array
199
Composite advanced sail development
199
CVNX aircraft carrier design product modeling
200
Distributed engineering plant
200
Distributed marine environment forecast system
201
DP 2 thrust vectoring system proof-of-concept demonstration
201
Dry chemical fire suppressant
202
E2 C2 rotordome and control surface improvements
202
Extended range guided munition
202
203
Fielded system obsolescence, technology insertion and technology
refreshment
204
Fleet health technology and occupational lung disease
205
Flight worthy transparent armor system
205
High mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS)
206
High performance sigma-delta waveform generator
206
Hybrid fiberoptic/wireless communication technology
206
Hybrid light detection and ranging (LIDAR)/radar technology
207
Hyperspectral research
207
Insensitive munitions
207
Integrated aviation life support systems
208
Integrated semiconductor bridge based fuze
208
Intermediate modulus carbon fiber and ultra-high thermal
conductivity graphite fibers
208
Joint forces command operational testbed
209
Joint helmet mounted cueing system
209
Joint tactical combat training system
210
Lightweight environmentally sealed parachute assembly (LESPA)
210
Littoral support fast patrol craft
210
Location of global positioning systems (GPS) jammers
211
Malaria deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine
211
Manned reconnaissance systems
211
Marine Corps dragon warrior UAV
211
Marine mammal research
212
Maritime technology (MARITECH) program
212
Mobile electronic warfare support system
213
Mobile integrated diagnostic and data analysis system (MIDDAS)
213
Multi-function radar/volume search radar and the Navy's radar roadmap
213
Multipurpose processor
214
Naval space surveillance
215
Navy mine countermeasures program
215
Advanced sensors for mine countermeasures and oceanography
215
AN/AQS 20/X mine hunting sonar
216
Synthetic aperture sonar development for long-term mine
reconnaissance system
216
Naval modeling and simulation
217
New composite materials for aircraft canopies
217
Optical correlation technology for automatic target recognition
218
Optically multiplexed wideband radar beam-forming array
218
P 3 modernization program
218
P 3 special mission squadron sensor upgrade
219
Parametric airborne dipping sonar
219
Power node control centers
220
Project M
220
Radio frequency integration and testing environment
221
Remote precision gun
221
S 3B surveillance system upgrade program
222
Ship service fuel cell program
222
Silicon carbide and gallium nitride semiconductor substrates
222
Single flux quantum electronics
223
SSGN Conversion
223
Submarine sonar dome window
225
Supply chain management and development best practices
225
Surface ship torpedo defense
226
Tactical unmanned aerial vehicles
226
Vacuum electronics
226
Vectored thrust ducted propeller compound helicopter demonstration
227
Virtual test bed for advanced electrical ship systems
228
Air Force RDT&E
228
Overview
228
Items of Special Interest
239
21st century affordable aircraft thrust demonstration project
239
Aging landing gear life extension
239
Airborne laser
239
Airborne reconnaissance systems
240
Air Force/National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) partnership
241
Air Force science and technology
241
Aerospace propulsion
242
Aircrew laser eye protection
242
Ballistic missile technology
243
Combat identification
243
Composite affordability initiative
243
Low cost launch technology
244
Miniature satellite threat reporting system
244
Specialty aerospace metals
244
Upper atmospheric and astronomical research
245
Advanced message-oriented data security module (AMODSM)
245
B 1B link 16 data link
246
B 2 upgrades
246
B 52 modified miniature receive terminals configuration
247
Defense reconnaissance support program
247
Discoverer II
247
Eagle vision
248
Electronic warfare development
248
Extended range cruise missile (ERCM)
249
Global hawk unmanned aerial vehicle
249
Hyperspectral imagery system
250
Integrated broadcast service
250
Joint ejection seat program
251
Joint strike fighter
252
Military strategic and tactical relay (MILSTAR)
253
Mobile approach control system
254
Multi-link antenna system
254
Satellite control network
255
Small smart munitions
255
Space-based infrared system-high (SBIRS-High)
256
Space-based infrared system-low (SBIRS-Low)
256
Spacelift range system
257
U 2 senior year electro-optic system polarimetry
258
Defense Wide RDT&E
259
Overview
259
Items of Special Interest
268
Advanced sensor applications program
268
Ballistic missile defense (BMD)
268
Advanced technology development
269
Liquid surrogate target
269
National missile defense (NMD)
270
Navy theater wide
271
Russian-American cooperative national missile defense
272
Support technology
272
Wide bandwidth information infrastructure
272
Chemical-biological defense program
273
Chemical and biological defense program initiatives
273
Optical computing device materials for chemical sensors
274
Commercial off-the-shelf-receiver development
274
Competitive sustainment demonstration
275
Complex systems design
275
Computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis
275
Computer network security
276
CV 22 Osprey radar improvements
276
Defense agency science and technology funding
276
Biological warfare defense
277
Computing systems and communications technology
277
Extensible information systems
278
Nuclear sustainment and counter-proliferation technologies
278
Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive research
278
Facial recognition technology
278
High definition displays for military applications
278
High energy laser research and development
279
Defense-wide high energy laser development
279
Free electron laser
280
Solid state laser
280
Information technology, superiority and assurance
281
Interference with global positioning system
282
MC 130 autonomous landing guidance system
282
Medical free electron laser
283
Microelectromechanical systems sensor development
283
National imagery and mapping agency
283
Requirement for ``designated laboratory''
284
Science and technology affordability initiative
284
Special operations tactical video system
285
Tactical and support aircraft noise reduction
285
Texas regional institute for environmental studies
286
Thermionics for space power systems
286
TRICARE encounter data system
286
Ultra-wideband radar
286
Operational Test and Evaluation, Defense
287
Overview
287
Items of Special Interest
289
Central test and evaluation investment program
289
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
290
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
290
Section 201--Authorization of Appropriations
290
Section 202--Amount for Basic and Applied Research
290
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations
290
Section 211--High Energy Laser Programs
290
Section 212--Management of Space-Based Infrared System-Low
291
Section 213--Joint Strike Fighter
291
Subtitle C--Ballistic Missile Defense
291
Section 231--Funding for Fiscal Year 2001
291
Section 232--Sense of Congress Concerning Commitment to Deploy
National Missile Defense
291
Section 233--Reports on Ballistic Missile Threat Posed By North Korea
292
Section 234--Plan to Modify Ballistic Missile Defense Architecture
to Cover Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile Threats
292
Section 235--Designation of Airborne Laser Program as a Program
Element of Ballistic Missile Defense Program
293
Subtitle D--Other Matters
293
Section 241--Recognition of Those Individuals Instrumental to Naval
Research Efforts During the Period from Before World War II Through the
End of the Cold War
293
TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
294
OVERVIEW
294
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
324
Budget Request Increases
324
Critical Readiness Accounts
324
Depot maintenance
324
Real property maintenance
324
Miscellaneous unfunded requirements
324
Mobility enhancement funding
325
Training accounts
325
Army Cold Weather Clothing
325
Budget Request Reductions
326
Civilian Personnel Reductions
326
Excess Foreign Currencies Reductions
326
Headquarters Reductions
326
Joint Chiefs of Staff Training Exercises
327
Other Items of Special Interest
327
Accountability of Operation and Maintenance Funding
327
Environmental Issues
327
Fines and Penalties
327
Navy Environmental Leadership Program
328
Intelligence Issues
328
Cryptologic Skills Training
328
Defense Foreign Language Program
328
Distributed Common Ground System
329
Eagle Vision Commercial Imagery
329
Integrated Broadcast Service
330
RC 135 and U 2 Operations and Maintenance
330
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Issues
330
Armed Forces Recreation Centers
330
Lodging Programs
331
Nonappropriated Fund Support of Official Activities
331
Other Issues
332
Army Apprenticeship Program
332
Army Workload and Performance System
332
Automatic Identification Technology
333
Civilian Air Traffic Controllers
333
Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities
334
Container Freight Station Operations
334
Core Logistics Capabilities
334
Defense Joint Accounting System
335
Defense Personnel Records Imaging System-Electronics Military
Personnel Records System
336
Department of Defense Civilian Personnel
336
Personnel safety
336
Recruiting and retention
337
Financial Policy
337
Local School Renovation and Repair
338
Logistics Support Planning
338
Military Affiliate Radio System
339
National Maintenance Program
340
Naval Audit Service
341
Reserve Component Automation System (RCAS)
341
Spare and Repair Parts
341
Urban Warfare Training
342
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
342
Subtitle A--Authorization Of Appropriations
342
Section 301--Operation and Maintenance Funding
342
Section 302--Working Capital Funds
342
Section 303--Armed Forces Retirement Home
343
Section 304--Transfer From National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund
343
Subtitle B--Environmental Provisions
343
Section 311--Payment of Fines and Penalties Imposed for
Environmental Violations
343
Section 312--Necessity of Military Low-Level Flight Training to
Protect National Security and Enhance Military Readiness
343
Section 313--Use of Environmental Restoration Accounts to Relocate
Activities from Defense Environmental Restoration Sites
343
Subtitle C--Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities
343
Section 321--Use of Appropriated Funds to Cover Operating Expenses
of Commissary Stores
343
Section 322--Adjustment of Sales Prices of Commissary Store Goods
and Services to Cover Certain Expenses
344
Section 323--Use of Surcharges for Construction and Improvement of
Commissary Stores
344
Section 324--Inclusion of Magazines and Other Periodicals as an
Authorized Commissary Merchandise Category
344
Section 325--Use of Most Economical Distribution Method for
Distilled Spirits
345
Section 326--Report on Effects of Availability of Slot Machines on
United States Military Installations Overseas
345
Subtitle D--Performance of Functions by Private-Sector Sources
345
Section 331--Inclusion of Additional Information in Reports to
Congress Required before Conversion of Commercial or Industrial Type
Functions to Contractor Performance
345
Section 332--Limitation Regarding Navy Marine Corps Intranet Contract
345
Subtitle E--Defense Dependents Education
346
Section 341--Assistance to Local Educational Agencies that Benefit
Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense
Civilian Employees
346
Section 342--Eligibility Requirements for Attendance at Department
of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools
346
Subtitle F--Military Readiness Issues
347
Section 351--Additional Capabilities of, and Reporting Requirements
for, the Readiness Reporting System
347
Section 352--Reporting Requirements Regarding Transfers from
High-Priority Readiness Appropriations
347
Section 353--Department of Defense Strategic Plan to Reduce Backlog
in Maintance and Repair of Defense Facilities
347
Subtitle G--Other Matters
348
Section 361--Authority to Ensure Demilitarization of Significant
Military Equipment Formerly Owned by the Department of Defense
348
Section 362--Annual Report on Public Sale of Certain Military
Equipment Identified on United States Munitions List
348
Section 363--Registration of Certain Information Technology Systems
with Chief Information Officer
349
Section 364--Studies and Reports Required as Precondition to Certain
Manpower Reductions
349
Section 365--National Guard Assistance for Certain Youth and
Chartable Organizations
349
TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS
352
Subtitle A--Active Forces
352
Section 401--End Strengths for Active Forces
352
Section 402--Revision in Permanent End Strength Minimum Levels
352
Section 403--Adjustment to End Strength Flexibility Authority
353
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces
353
Section 411--End Strengths for Selected Reserve
353
Section 412--End Strengths for Reserves on Active Duty in Support of
the Reserves
353
Section 413--End Strength for Military Technicians (Dual Status)
354
Section 414--Increase in Number of Members in Certain Grades
Authorized to Be on Active Duty in Support of the Reserves
354
Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations
355
Section 421--Authorization of Appropriations for Military Personnel
355
TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY
358
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
358
Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Office
358
Department of Defense International Student Program at the Military
Colleges
358
Funding for Recruiting and Retention
359
Homosexual Conduct Briefings
360
Incentives for Overseas Assignments
360
National Guard Military Technician Overtime Pay
361
Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act
361
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
361
Subtitle A--General Personnel Management Authorities
361
Section 501--Authority for Secretary of Defense to Suspend Certain
Personnel Strength Limitations During War or National Emergency
361
Section 502--Authority to Issue Posthumous Commissions in the Case
of Members Dying Before Official Recommendation for Appointment or
Promotion is Approved by Secretary Concerned
362
Section 503--Technical Correction to Retired Grade Rule for Army and
Air Force Officers
362
Section 504--Extension to End of Calendar Year of Expiration Date
for Certain Force Drawdown Transition Authorities
362
Section 505--Clarification of Requirements for Composition of
Active-Duty List Selection Boards When Reserve Officers are Under
Consideration
363
Section 506--Voluntary Separation Incentive
363
Section 507--Congressional Review Period for Assignment of Women to
Duty on Submarines and for Any Proposed Reconfiguration or Design of
Submarines to Accommodate Female Crew Members
363
Subtitle B--Reserve Component Personnel Policy
363
Section 511--Exemption from Active-Duty List for Reserve Officers on
Active Duty for a Period of Three Years or Less
363
Section 512--Exemption of Reserve Component Medical and Dental
Officers from Counting in Grade Strengths
363
Section 513--Continuation of Officers on the Reserve Active Status
List Without Requirement for Application
364
Section 514--Authority to Retain Reserve Component Chaplains and
Officers in Medical Specialties Until Specified Age
364
Section 515--Authority for Temporary Increase in Number of Reserve
Component Personnel Serving on Active Duty or Full-Time National Guard
Duty in Certain Grades
364
Section 516--Authority for Provision of Legal Services to Reserve
Component Members Following Release from Active Duty
364
Section 517--Entitlement to Separation Pay for Reserve Officers
Released from Active Duty Upon Declining Selective Continuation on
Active Duty After Second Failure of Selection for Promotion
364
Section 518--Extension of Involuntary Civil Service Retirement Date
for Certain Reserve Technicians
365
Subtitle C--Education and Training
365
Section 521--College Tuition Assistance Program for Pursuit of
Degrees by Members of the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class Program
365
Section 522--Review of Allocation of Junior Reserve Officers
Training Corps Units Among the Services
365
Section 523--Authority for Naval Postgraduate School to Enroll
Certain Defense Industry Civilians in Specified Programs Relating to
Defense Product Development
366
Subtitle D--Decorations, Awards, and Commendations
366
Section 531--Authority for Award of the Medal of Honor to Andrew J.
Smith for Valor during the Civil War
366
Section 532--Authority for Award of the Medal of Honor to Ed W.
Freeman for Valor during the Vietnam Conflict
366
Section 533--Consideration of Proposals for Posthumous or Honorary
Promotions or Appointments of Members or Former Members of the Armed
Forces and Other Qualified Persons
366
Section 534--Waiver of Time Limitations for Award of Navy
Distinguished Flying Cross to Certain Persons
367
Section 535--Addition of Certain Information to Markers on Graves
Containing Remains of Certain Unknowns from the U.S.S. ARIZONA Who Died
in the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941
367
Section 536--Sense of Congress Regarding Final Crew of U.S.S.
INDIANAPOLIS
367
Section 537--Posthumous Advancement of Rear Admiral (Retired)
Husband E. Kimmel and Major General (Retired) Walter C. Short on Retired
Lists
367
Section 538--Commendation of Citizens of Remy, France, for World War
II Actions
367
Subtitle E--Military Justice Matters
368
Section 541--Recognition by States of Military Testamentary Instruments
368
Section 542--Probable Cause Required for Entry of Names of Subjects
into Official Criminal Investigative Reports
368
Section 543--Collection and Use of DNA Identification Information
from Violent and Sexual Offenders in the Armed Forces
368
Section 544--Limitation on Secretarial Authority to Grant Clemency
for Military Prisoners Serving Sentence of Confinement for Life Without
Eligibility for Parole
368
Section 545--Authority for Civilian Special Agents of Military
Department Criminal Investigative Organizations to Execute Warrants and
Make Arrests
369
Subtitle F--Other Matters
369
Section 551--Funeral Honors Duty Compensation
369
Section 552--Test of Ability of Reserve Component Intelligence Units
and Personnel to Meet Current and Emerging Defense Intelligence Needs
369
Section 553--National Guard Challenge Program
369
Section 554--Study of Use of Civilian Contractor Pilots for
Operational Support Missions
370
Section 555--Pilot Program to Enhance Military Recruiting by
Improving Military Awareness of School Counselors and Educators
370
Section 556--Reimbursement for Expenses Incurred by Members in
Connection with Cancellation of Leave on Short Notice
370
TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
371
OVERVIEW
371
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
372
Briefings on Benefits of Military Service
372
Extension of Time Limitation on Use of Reserve Education Benefits
373
Improved Basic Allowance for Housing
373
Military Pay Day Every 14 Days
373
Pay Table Reform for Mid-Grade Enlisted Members
374
Reimbursement for Reservists' Travel Expenses
374
Reimbursement of Permanent Change of Station Expenses
374
Retired Pay Following Reduction in Grade
375
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
375
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances
375
Section 601--Increase in Basic Pay for Fiscal Year 2001
375
Section 602--Revised Method for Calculation of Basic Allowance for
Subsistence
375
Section 603--Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance for
Low-Income Members of the Armed Forces
375
Section 604--Calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing for Inside
the United States
376
Section 605--Equitable Treatment of Junior Enlisted Members in
Computation of Basic Allowance for Housing
376
Section 606--Basic Allowance for Housing Authorized for Additional
Members Without Dependents Who Are on Sea Duty
376
Section 607--Personal Money Allowance for Senior Enlisted Members of
the Armed Forces
376
Section 608--Allowance for Officers for Purchase of Required
Uniforms and Equipment
377
Section 609--Increase in Monthly Subsistence Allowance for Members
of Precommissioning Programs
377
Section 610--Additional Amount Available for Fiscal Year 2001
Increase in Basic Allowance for Housing Inside the United States
377
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays
377
Section 611--Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pay
Authorities for Reserve Forces
377
Section 612--Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pay
Authorities for Nurse Officer Candidates, Registered Nurses and Nurse
Anesthetists
378
Section 613--Extension of Authorities Relating to Payment of Other
Bonuses and Special Pays
378
Section 614--Consistency of Authorities for Special Pay for Reserve
Medical and Dental Officers
378
Section 615--Special Pay for Coast Guard Physician Assistants
378
Section 616--Special Duty Assignment Pay for Enlisted Members
378
Section 617--Revision of Career Sea Pay
378
Section 618--Revision of Enlistment Bonus Authority
379
Section 619--Authorization of Retention Bonus for Members of the
Armed Forces Qualified in a Critical Military Skill
379
Section 620--Elimination of Required Congressional Notification
before Implementation of Certain Special Pay Authority
379
Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances
379
Section 631--Advance Payments for Temporary Lodging of Members and
Dependents
379
Section 632--Additional Transportation Allowance Regarding Baggage
and Household Effects
379
Section 633--Equitable Dislocation Allowances for Junior Enlisted
Members
379
Section 634--Authority to Reimburse Military Recruiters, Senior ROTC
Cadre, and Military Entrance Processing Personnel for Certain Parking
Expenses
379
Section 635--Expansion of Funded Student Travel for Dependents
380
Subtitle D--Retirement and Survivor Benefit Matters
380
Section 641--Increase in Maximum Number of Reserve Retirement Points
That May be Credited in Any Year
380
Section 642--Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan Spousal Consent
Requirement
380
Subtitle E--Other Matters
380
Section 651--Participation in Thrift Savings Plan
380
TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS
381
OVERVIEW
381
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
382
Funding for the Defense Health Program
382
Preventive Health Care Services
383
Report on Computer-Based Patient Record and Medical Records Tracking
System
383
Report on Mandatory Enrollment Program for TRICARE Beneficaries
384
Subtitle A--Health Care Services
384
Section 701--Two-Year Extension of Authority for Use of Contract
Physicians at Military Entrance Processing Stations and Elsewhere
Outside Medical Treatment Facilities
384
Section 702--Medical and Dental Care for Medal of Honor Recipients
384
Section 703--Provision of Domiciliary and Custodial Care for CHAMPUS
Beneficiaries and Certain Former CHAMPUS Beneficiaries
385
Section 704--Demonstration Project for Expanded Access to Mental
Health Counselors
385
Section 705--Teleradiology Demonstration Project
385
Subtitle B--TRICARE Program
386
Section 711--Additional Beneficiaries Under TRICARE Prime Remote
Program in the Continental United States
386
Section 712--Elimination of Copayments for Immediate Family
386
Section 713--Modernization of TRICARE Business Practices and
Increased Use of Military Treatment Facilities
386
Section 714--Claims Processing Improvements
387
Section 715--Prohibition Against Requirement for Prior Authorization
for Certain Referrals; Report on Nonavailability-of-Health-Care
Statements
388
Section 716--Authority to Establish Special Locality-Based
Reimbursement Rates; Reports
388
Section 717--Reimbursement for Certain Travel Expenses
388
Section 718--Reduction of Catastrophic Cap
388
Section 719--Report on Protections Against Health Care Providers
Seeking Direct Reimbursement from Members of the Uniformed Services
389
Section 720--Disenrollment Process for TRICARE Retiree Dental Program
389
Subtitle C--Health Care Programs for Medicare-Eligible Department of
Defense Beneficiaries
389
Section 721--Implementation of TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program
389
Section 722--Study on Health Care Options for Medicare-Eligible
Military Retirees
390
Section 723--Extended Coverage Under Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program
390
Section 724--Extension of TRICARE Senior Supplement Program
391
Section 725--Extension of TRICARE Senior Prime Demonstration Project
391
Subtitle D--Other Matters
391
Section 731--Training in Health Care Management and Administration
391
Section 732--Study of Accrual Financing for Health Care for Military
Retirees
391
Section 733--Tracking Patient Safety in Military Medical Treatment
Facilities
391
Section 734--Pharmaceutical Identification Technology
392
Section 735--Management of Vaccine Immunization Program
392
Section 736--Study on Feasibility of Sharing Biomedical Research
Facility
392
Section 738--VA/DOD Sharing Agreements for Health Services
393
TITLE VIII--ACQUISTION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED
MATTERS
394
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
394
Procurement of Military Clothing and Clothing-Related Items by
Military Installations in the United States
394
Compliance with Applicable Labor Laws in Procurement of Military
Clothing
394
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
394
Section 801--Extension of Authority for Department of Defense
Acquisition Pilot Programs; Reports Required
394
Section 802--Technical Data Rights for Items Developed Exclusively
at Private Expense
395
Section 803--Management of Acquisition of Mission-Essential Software
for Major Defense Acquisition Programs
395
Section 804--Extension of Waiver Period for Live-Fire Survivability
Testing for MH 47E and MH 60K Helicopter Modification Programs
395
Section 805--Three-Year Extension of Authority of Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency to Carry Out Certain Prototype Projects
395
Section 806--Certification of Major Automated Information Systems as
to Compliance with Clinger-Cohen Act
396
Section 807--Limitations on Procurement of Certain Items
396
Section 808--Multiyear Services Contracts
396
Section 809--Study on Impact of Foreign Sourcing of Systems on
Long-Term Military Readiness and Related Industrial Infrastructure
396
Section 810--Prohibition Against Use of Department of Defense Funds
to Give or Withhold a Preference to a Marketer or Vendor of Firearms or
Ammunition
397
Section 811--Study and Report on Practice of Contract Bundling in
Military Construction Contracts
397
TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANGEMENT
398
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
398
Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs
398
Management Headquarters
399
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
399
Section 901--Change of Title of Certain Positions in the
Headquarters, Marine Corps
399
Section 902--Further Reductions in Defense Acquisition and Support
Workforce
399
Section 903--Clarification of Scope of Inspector General Authorities
under Military Whistleblower Law
400
Section 904--Report on Number of Personnel Assigned to Legislative
Liaison Functions
400
Section 905--Joint Report on Establishment of National Collaborative
Information Analysis Capability
400
Section 906--Organization and Management of Civil Air Patrol
401
Section 907--Report on Network Centric Warfare
401
Section 908--Defense Institute for Hemispheric Security Cooperation
402
Section 909--Department of Defense Regional Centers for Security Studies
403
Section 910--Change in Name of Armed Forces Staff College to Joint
Forces Staff College
403
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
404
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
404
Counter-Drug Activities
404
Overview
404
Funding
405
Items of Special Interest
405
Air National Guard fighter operations
405
Coastal Patrol equipment procurement
406
Operation Caper Focus
406
Puerto Rico ROTHR security
406
Southwest border fence
406
OTHER MATTERS
406
Quadrennial Defense Review
406
Department of Defense Personnel Security Investigation Requirements
Priorities
407
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
408
Subtitle A--Financial Matters
408
Section 1001--Transfer Authority
408
Section 1002--Incorporation of Classified Annex
408
Section 1003--Authorization of Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
for Fiscal Year 2000
408
Department of Defense
408
Department of Energy
409
Section 1004--Contingent Repeal of Certain Provisions Shifting
Certain Outlays from One Fiscal Year to Another
409
Section 1005--Limitation on Funds for Bosnia and Kosovo Peacekeeping
Operations for Fiscal Year 2001
409
Subtitle B--Naval Vessels and Shipyards
410
Section 1011--National Defense Features Program
410
Subtitle C--Counter-Drug Activities
410
Section 1021--Report on Department of Defense Expenditures to
Support Foreign Counter-Drug Activities
410
Section 1022--Report on Tethered Aerostat Radar System
410
Subtitle D--Other Matters
411
Section 1031--Funds for Administrative Expenses Under Defense Export
Loan Guarantee Program
411
Section 1032--Technical and Clerical Amendments
411
Section 1033--Transfer of Vietnam Era TA 4 Aircraft to Nonprofit
Foundation
411
Section 1034--Transfer of 19th Century Cannon to Museum
411
Section 1035--Expenditures for Declassification Activities
411
Section 1036--Authority to Provide Loan Guarantees to Improve
Domestic Preparedness to Combat Cyberterrorism
412
Section 1037--V 22 Cockpit Aircraft Voice and Flight Data Recorders
413
TITLE XI--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
414
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
414
Section 1101--Employment and Compensation Provisions for Employees
of Temporary Organizations Established by Law or Executive Order
414
Section 1102--Restructuring the Restriction on Degree Training
414
Section 1103--Continuation of Tuition Reimbursement and Training for
Certain Acquisition Personnel
414
Section 1104--Extension of Authority for Civilian Employees of the
Department of Defense to Participate Voluntarily in Reductions in Force
414
Section 1105--Expansion of Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel
System Positions
415
Section 1106--Pilot Program for Reengineering the Equal Employment
Opportunity Complaint Process
415
TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO OTHER NATIONS
416
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
416
Arms Control Implementation
416
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
416
Section 1201--Support of United Nations-Sponsored Efforts to Inspect
and Monitor Iraqi Weapons Activities
416
Section 1202--Annual Report Assessing Effect of Continued Operations
in the Balkans Region on Readiness to Execute the National Military
Strategy
417
Section 1203--Situation in the Balkans
417
Section 1204--Limitation on Number of Military Personnel in Colombia
419
TITLE XIII--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION WITH STATES OF THE FORMER
SOVIET UNION
420
OVERVIEW
420
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
421
Arms Elimination Projects in Russia
421
Arms Elimination Projects in Ukraine
422
Biological Weapons Proliferation Prevention in Russia
422
Chemical Weapons Destruction in Russia
424
Defense and Military Contacts
426
Elimination of Plutonium Production in Russia
426
Fissile Material Processing and Packaging
427
Fissile Material Storage Facility
427
Nuclear Weapons Storage Security in Russia
428
Nuclear Weapons Transportation Security
428
Other Assessments and Administrative Support
429
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
429
Section 1301--Specification of Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs
and Funds
429
Section 1302--Funding Allocations
430
Section 1303--Prohibition on Use of Funds for Elimination of
Conventional Weapons
430
Section 1304--Limitations on Use of Funds for Fissile Material
Storage Facility
430
Section 1305--Limitation on Use of Funds Until Submission of
Multiyear Plan
430
Section 1306--Russian Nonstrategic Nuclear Arms
430
Section 1307--Limitation on Use of Funds to Support Warhead
Dismantlement Processing
430
Section 1308--Agreement on Nuclear Weapons Storage Sites
430
Section 1309--Prohibition on Use of Funds for Construction of Fossil
Fuel Energy Plants
430
Section 1310--Audits of Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs
430
Section 1311--Limitation on Use of Funds for Prevention of
Biological Weapons Proliferation in Russia
431
TITLE XIV--COMMISSION TO ASSESS THE THREAT TO THE UNITED STATES FROM
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (EMP) ATTACK
432
OVERVIEW
432
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
433
Section 1401--Establishment of Commission
433
Section 1402--Duties of Commission
433
Section 1403--Report
433
Section 1404--Powers
433
Section 1405--Commission Procedures
433
Section 1406--Personnel Members
433
Section 1407--Miscellaneous Administrative Provisions
433
Section 1408--Funding
433
Section 1409--Termination of the Commission
433
TITLE XV--PROVISIONS REGARDING VIEQUES ISLAND, PUERTO RICO
434
OVERVIEW
434
Section 1501--Conditions on Disposal of Naval Ammunition Support
Detachment, Vieques Island
435
Section 1502--Retention of Eastern Portion of Vieques Island
436
Section 1503--Limitations on Military Use of Vieques Island
436
Section 1504--Economic Assistance for Residents of Vieques Island
436
DIVISION B--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS
437
PURPOSE
437
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW
437
TITLE XXI--ARMY
455
SUMMARY
455
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
455
Condition of Barracks to Support Basic Training
455
Improvements to Military Family Housing
455
Planning and Design
456
Unspecified Minor Construction
456
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
456
Section 2101--Authorized Army Construction and Land Acquisition Projects
456
Section 2102--Family Housing
456
Section 2103--Improvements to Military Family Housing Units
456
Section 2104--Authorization of Appropriations, Army
456
Section 2105--Modification of Authority to Carry Out Certain Fiscal
Year 1999 Project
456
TITLE XXII--NAVY
457
SUMMARY
457
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
457
Acquisition of Prepositioned Equipment Maintenance Facilities,
Blount Island, Jacksonville, Florida
457
Improvements to Military Family Housing
457
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
457
Section 2201--Authorized Navy Construction and Land Acquisition Projects
457
Section 2202--Family Housing
458
Section 2203--Improvements to Military Family Housing Units
458
Section 2204--Authorization of Appropriations, Navy
458
Section 2205--Modification of Authority to Carry Out Fiscal Year
1997 Project at Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico,
Virginia
458
TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE
459
SUMMARY
459
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
459
Rome Research Site, New York
459
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
459
Section 2301--Authorized Air Force Construction and Land Acquisition
Projects
459
Section 2302--Family Housing
459
Section 2303--Improvements to Military Family Housing Units
460
Section 2304--Authorization of Appropriations, Air Force
460
TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES
461
SUMMARY
461
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
461
Forward Operating Locations in Support of Counter-Drug and Drug
Interdiction Activities
461
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
461
Section 2401--Authorized Defense Agencies Construction and Land
Acquisition Projects
461
Section 2402--Authorization Of Appropriations, Defense Agencies
461
TITLE XXV--NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION INFRASTRUCTURE
462
SUMMARY
462
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
462
Section 2501--Authorized NATO Construction and Land Acquisition Projects
462
Section 2502--Authorization of Appropriations, NATO
462
TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES
463
SUMMARY
463
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
463
Planning and Design, Army National Guard
463
Planning and Design, Army Reserve
463
Unspecified Minor Construction, Army Reserve
463
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
463
Section 2601--Authorized Guard and Reserve Construction and Land
Acquisition Projects
463
TITLE XXVII--EXPIRATION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATIONS
464
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
464
Section 2701--Expiration of Authorizations and Amounts Required to
be Specified by Law
464
Section 2702--Extensions of Authorizations of Certain Fiscal Year
1998 Projects
464
Section 2703--Extension of Authorizations of Certain Fiscal Year
1997 Projects
464
Section 2704--Effective Date
464
TITLE XXVIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
465
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
465
Military Housing Privatization Initiative
465
Water Quality Issues Affecting Military Installations in the Area of
Kaiserslautern, Germany
465
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
465
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and Military Family
Housing Changes
465
Section 2801--Revision of Limitations on Space by Pay Grade
465
Section 2802--Leasing of Military Family Housing, United States
Southern Command, Miami, Florida
466
Section 2803--Alternative Authority for Acquisition and Improvement
of Military Housing
466
Section 2804--Expansion of Definition of Armory to Include Readiness
Centers
466
Subtitle B--Real Property and Facilities Administration
466
Section 2811--Increase in Threshold for Notice and Wait Requirements
for Real Property Transactions
466
Section 2812--Enhancement of Authority of Military Departments to
Lease Non-Excess Property
466
Section 2813--Conveyance Authority Regarding Utility Systems of
Military Departments
466
Subtitle C--Land Conveyances Generally
467
Part I--Army Conveyances
467
Section 2831--Transfer of Jurisdiction, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois
467
Section 2832--Land Conveyance, Army Reserve Center, Galesburg, Illinois
467
Section 2833--Land Conveyance, Army Reserve Center, Winona, Minnesota
467
Section 2834--Land Conveyance, Fort Polk, Louisiana
467
Section 2835--Land Conveyance, Fort Pickett, Virginia
467
Section 2836--Land Conveyance, Fort Dix, New Jersey
467
Section 2837--Land Conveyance, Nike Site 43, Elrama, Pennsylvania
468
Section 2838--Land Exchange, Fort Hood, Texas
468
Section 2839--Land Conveyance, Charles Melvin Price Support Center,
Illinois
468
Section 2840--Land Conveyance, Army Reserve Local Training Center,
Chattanooga, Tennessee
468
Part II--Navy Conveyances
468
Section 2851--Modification of Authority for Oxnard Harbor District,
Port Hueneme, California, to Use Certain Navy Property
468
Section 2852--Modification of Land Conveyance, Marine Corps Air
Station, El Toro, California
469
Section 2853--Transfer of Jurisdiction, Marine Corps Air Station,
Miramar, California
469
Section 2854--Lease of Property, Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar,
California
469
Section 2855--Lease of Property, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida
469
Section 2856--Land Exchange, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego,
California
470
Section 2857--Land Exchange, Naval Air Reserve Center, Columbus, Ohio
470
Section 2858--Land Conveyance, Naval Reserve Center, Tampa, Florida
470
Part III--Air Force Conveyances
470
Section 2861--Land Conveyance, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
470
Section 2862--Land Conveyance, Point Arena Air Force Station, California
471
Section 2863--Land Conveyance, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California
471
Part IV--Other Conveyances
471
Section 2871--Conveyance of Army and Air Force Exchange Service
Property, Farmers Branch, Texas
471
Subtitle D--Other Matters
471
Section 2881--Retention of Easement Authority to Leased Parkland,
Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California
471
Section 2882--Extension of Demonstration Project for Purchase of
Fire, Security, Police, Public Works, and Utility Services from Local
Government Agencies
472
Section 2883--Establishment of World War II Memorial on Guam
472
Section 2884--Naming of the Army Missile Testing Range at Kwajalein
Atoll as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Defense Test Site at Kwajalein
Atoll
472
Section 2885--Designation of Building at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in
Honor of Andrew T. McNamara
472
Section 2886--Redesignation of the Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego,
California, in Honor of Bob Wilson, a Former Member of the House of
Representatives
472
Section 2887--Sense of Congress Regarding Importance of Expansion of
National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California
472
DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATION AND
OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
473
TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
473
OVERVIEW
473
Environmental and Other Defense Activities
492
Overview
492
Items of Special Interest
492
Acceleration of the 94 1 program and restoration of infrastructure
at the Savannah River Site
492
Energy Employees Compensation Initiative
492
Hanford tank waste remediation system privatization, phase I
494
Mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility
494
Nonproliferation and national security
495
Worker and community transition
495
National Nuclear Security Administration
496
Items of Special Interest
496
Budget Structure of the National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) Campaigns
496
Advanced Design and Production Technology (ADAPT)
497
Advanced radiography
497
Defense computing and modeling
498
Laser development
500
Pit manufacturing readiness
501
Tritium readiness
502
Construction projects
502
Defense programs requirements process
502
Department of Energy Reorganization Issues
503
Directed stockpile work
505
Stockpile evaluation
505
Stockpile maintenance
505
Program direction for defense programs
506
Readiness in Technical Base and Facilities (RTBF)
506
Operations of facilities
507
Special projects
507
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
508
Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations
508
Section 3101--National Nuclear Security Administration
508
Section 3102--Defense Environmental Restoration and Waste Management
508
Section 3103--Other Defense Activities
508
Section 3104--Defense Facilities Closure Projects
508
Section 3105--Defense Environmental Management Privatization
508
Section 3106--Defense Nuclear Waste Disposal
508
Subtitle B--Recurring General Provisions
508
Section 3121--Reprogramming
508
Section 3122--Limits on General Plant Projects
508
Section 3123--Limits on Construction Projects
508
Section 3124--Fund Transfer Authority
509
Section 3125--Authority for Conceptual and Construction Design
509
Section 3126--Authority for Emergency Planning, Design and
Construction Activities
509
Section 3127--Availability of Funds
509
Section 3128--Authority Relating to Transfer of Defense
Environmental Management Funds
509
Section 3131--Funding for Termination Costs for Tank Waste
Remediation System Environmental Project, Richland, Washington
509
Section 3132--Enhanced Cooperation Between National Nuclear Security
Administration and Ballistic Missile Defense Organization
510
Section 3133--Required Contents of Future-Years Nuclear Security
Program to be Submitted with Fiscal Year 2002 Budget and Limitation on
Obligation of Certain Funds Pending Submission of that Program
510
Section 3134--Limitation on Obligation of Certain Funds
510
TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD
511
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
511
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
511
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
511
Section 3201--Authorization
511
TITLE XXXIII--NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE
512
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
512
Section 3301--Authorized Uses of Stockpile Funds
512
Section 3302--Use of Excess Titanium Sponge in the National Defense
Stockpile to Manufacture Department of Defense Equipment
512
TITLE XXXIV--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
513
ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
513
Merchant Marine Academy
513
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
513
Section 3401--Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001
513
Section 3402--Extension of Period For Disposal of Obsolete Vessels
From the National Reserve Fleet
513
Section 3403--Authority to Convey National Defense Reserve Fleet
Vessel, GLACIER
513
Departmental Data
514
Department of Defense Authorization Request
514
Military Construction Authorization Request
515
Committee Position
515
Communications From Other Committees
515
Fiscal Data
521
Congressional Budget Office Estimate
521
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
521
Committee Cost Estimate
542
Oversight Findings
542
Constitutional Authority Statement
542
Statement of Federal Mandates
542
Roll Call Votes
542
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
551
Additional Views
690
Additional views of John M. Spratt, Jr
690
Additional views of Steven T. Kuykendall
694
Additional views of Baron P. Hill
695
Additional views of Joseph R. Pitts, John M. Spratt, Jr
697
Additional views of Robert A. Underwood, Neil Abercrombie, Solomon P.
Ortiz, Thomas H. Allen, Silvestre Reyes
698
Additional views of Loretta Sanchez, Lane Evans, Neil Abercrombie,
Patrick J. Kennedy, Thomas H. Allen, Adam Smith, Ellen O. Tauscher,
Robert E. Andrews, Mike Thompson
700
Additional views of Loretta Sanchez, Neil Abercrombie, Ike Skelton,
Robert A. Underwood, Patrick J. Kennedy, Robert A. Brady
701
106 th Congress
Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session
106 616
FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
May 12, 2000.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
Mr. Spence , from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the
following
REPORT
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 4205]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Armed Services, to whom was referred the bill (H.R.
4205) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for military
activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction,
to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2001, and for
other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon
with amendments and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
The amendments are as follows:
The MDBUamendment strikes out all after the enacting clause of the
bill and inserts a new text which appears in italic type in the reported
bill.
The title of the bill is amended to reflect the amendment to the text
of the bill.
EXPLANATION OF THE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS
The committee adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute
during the consideration of H.R. 4205. The title of the bill is amended
to reflect the amendment to the text of the bill. The remainder of the
report discusses the bill, as amended.
PURPOSE
The bill would--(1) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for
procurement and for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E);
(2) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for operation and
maintenance (O&M) and for working capital funds; (3) Authorize for
fiscal year 2001: (a) the personnel strength for each active duty
component of the military departments; (b) the personnel strength for
the Selected Reserve for each reserve component of the armed forces; (c)
the military training student loads for each of the active and reserve
components of the military departments; (4) Modify various elements of
compensation for military personnel and impose certain requirements and
limitations on personnel actions in the defense establishment; (5)
Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for military construction
and family housing; (6) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001
for the Department of Energy national security programs; (7) Modify
provisions related to the National Defense Stockpile; and (8) Authorize
appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for the Maritime Administration.
RELATIONSHIP OF AUTHORIZATION TO APPROPRIATIONS
The bill does not generally provide budget authority. The bill
authorizes appropriations. Subsequent appropriation acts provide budget
authority. The bill addresses the following categories in the Department
of Defense budget: procurement; research, development, test and
evaluation; operation and maintenance; working capital funds, military
personnel; and military construction and family housing. The bill also
addresses Department of Energy National Security Programs and the
Maritime Administration.
Active duty and reserve personnel strengths authorized in this bill
and legislation affecting compensation for military personnel determine
the remaining appropriation requirements of the Department of Defense.
However, this bill does not provide authorization of specific dollar
amounts for personnel.
SUMMARY OF AUTHORIZATION IN THE BILL
The President requested budget authority of $305.3 billion for the
national defense budget function for fiscal year 2001. Of this amount,
the President requested $291.0 billion for the Department of Defense
(including $8.0 billion for military construction and family housing)
and $13.1 billion for Department of Energy national security programs
and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
The committee recommends an overall level of $309.9 billion in budget
authority. This amount is consistent with the discretionary defense
spending limitations imposed by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and it
represents an increase of approximately $21.1 billion from the amount
authorized for appropriation by the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65). Overall, the committee's
recommendation is consistent with the amounts established in the
Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2001 for the
national defense budget function.
SUMMARY TABLE OF AUTHORIZATIONS
The following table provides a summary of the amounts requested and
that would be authorized for appropriation in the bill (in the column
labeled ``Budget Authority Implication of Committee Recommendation'')
and the committee's estimate of how the committee's recommendations
relate to the budget totals for the national defense function. For
purposes of estimating the budget authority implications of committee
action, the table reflects the numbers contained in the President's
budget for proposals not in the committee's legislative jurisdiction.
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RATIONALE FOR THE COMMITTEE BILL
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is the
first defense authorization bill prepared for the new millennium. It
reflects the committee's view of, and commitment to, the policies,
programs, and priorities required to maintain U.S. military preeminence
in the 21st century.
The committee bill authorizes $309.9 billion for defense during
fiscal year 2001--an addition of $4.5 billion to the Administration's
defense budget request. Although this bill continues the trend of adding
to the Administration's defense budget request, the committee remains
troubled by the mismatch between requirements, forces, and resources
that continues to exist and will remain, even with the increases
contained in this bill.
In the committee's view, the public debate over the adequacy of U.S.
defense funding has turned an important corner. In recent years, efforts
to increase defense have encountered skepticism and outright opposition
by an Administration that came into office believing that defense could
be reduced substantially without risk to the national security. The end
of the Cold War was accompanied by annual real decreases in defense
spending, as the ``peace dividend'' was applied to other priorities.
There now appears to be a general consensus that U.S. defense spending
has fallen too far too fast. These real decreases have resulted in
significant problems in readiness, equipment modernization, and quality
of life for U.S. service personnel, and a significant overall decline in
U.S. military capability. This year, the committee has again sought to
address the most critical shortfalls in these areas by increasing
funding above the Administration's budget request.
MDBU U.S. STRATEGY FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM
U.S. military strategy continues to be guided by the tenets outlined
in the 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). The QDR, building upon its
predecessor, the 1993 Bottom-Up Review, postulated that the sizing and
composition of U.S. military forces should be based on the requirement
to fight two nearly simultaneous major theater wars. While the committee
believes that the two major theater war standard has been a realistic
and useful planning tool, the QDR was a budget-driven exercise, rather
than a strategy-driven one. Even so, the defense resources historically
requested by the Administration have never been adequate to execute the
strategy without accepting a greater than prudent level of risk.
Testifying before the committee on October 21, 1999, the Air Force,
Navy, and Marine Corps service chiefs each stated that they lacked the
capabilities required of a true ``two major theater war'' military
force. Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki declared that the Army
could execute the two major theater war strategy only with ``high
risk.'' In subsequent testimony on February 10, 2000, General Shinseki
stated, ``You measure that risk in national treasure, lives, and
expended dollars.'' Former Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger told
the committee on February 8, 2000, ``The simple reality today is that we
cannot fight two MRCs [major regional contingencies] more or less
simultaneously.'' Even former Secretary of Defense William Perry, who
oversaw the Clinton Administration's early defense efforts, testified
before the committee, ``We do not have a capability of fighting two
[major theater wars] at the same time. For one thing, we do not have
enough airlift and sealift to go to two places at once.''
The next Administration will have an ability, through the QDR
process, to place its imprint on the strategy that will guide the level
and composition of U.S. military forces in the new millennium. The
committee expects that the next QDR, due out in September 2001, will be
strategy-based and not budget constrained. The committee has long
believed that the level of resources necessary for defense must flow
from an assessment of U.S. strategy, existing and emerging threats, and
the force levels required to deal with those threats. Under this
Administration, the reverse has been true. Anticipated budget levels
have driven the sizing and composition of U.S. forces and the strategy
that can be implemented with those force levels. This approach stands
sound national security planning on its head.
The committee's approach again this year has been guided by an effort
to develop a defense budget that is more responsive to the post-Cold War
threats faced by the United States and commensurate with America's
global responsibilities--and, in so doing, to ensure that U.S. forces
can successfully execute their missions at the lowest possible level of
risk.
MDBU MAINTAINING AMERICA'S MILITARY PREEMINENCE
In its Phase I report last fall on the emerging global security
environment, the United States Commission on National Security/21st
Century reported that the United States can expect to confront a variety
of new and asymmetric threats in the next several decades that will pose
significant challenges to U.S. security. These threats include the
spread of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction,
information warfare, terrorism, and the use by other states of space for
military purposes. According to the commission, ``threats to American
security will be more diffuse, harder to anticipate, and more difficult
to neutralize than ever before. Deterrence will not work as it once did;
in many cases it may not work at all.''
In its Phase II report, issued in April 2000, the commission
concluded, ``The maintenance of America's strength is a long-term
commitment and cannot be assured without conscious, dedicated effort.''
This places a premium on ensuring that America's armed forces are
sufficiently resourced, manned, and equipped, to successfully confront
emerging threats. This fundamental principle has guided the committee's
approach to the defense budget for the past six years. The committee
agrees with the commission's conclusion that without a sustained defense
effort, the United States ``will find its power reduced, its interests
challenged even more than they are today, and its influence eroded.''
Secretary Schlesinger echoed this point in testimony before the
committee on February 8, 2000, when he stated, ``The United States
simply cannot continue to play the global leadership role envisioned by
the current national security strategy without a substantial increase in
defense spending.MDBU . . . We are resting on our laurels as the sole
superpower,'' he stated, and warned that without sustained increases in
defense, ``we are likely to see a train wreck.''
Unfortunately, in the past year, additional strains have been imposed
on the U.S. military, as the armed forces continue to be asked to do
more with less. This reality has again called into question the armed
forces' ability to carry out the national military strategy postulated
in the QDR. One year ago, U.S. forces led NATO's Operation Allied Force
campaign against Yugoslavia. For the Air Force, this operation was the
equivalent of a major theater war. The 78MDBU-day military campaign
exposed serious strains within the U.S. military, illuminating problems
that have resulted from underfunding and over-extending the military. It
also led to the second major peacekeeping operation involving U.S.
forces in the Balkans in five years. Like the peacekeeping mission in
Bosnia, the NATO-led Kosovo peacekeeping operation is of indefinite
duration and threatens to involve the United States in an ever-deepening
quagmire. The requirements of peacekeeping pose significant burdens on
U.S. forces that detract from their primary warfighting mission. As a
result, readiness has declined, equipment has been severely strained,
and quality of life has suffered.
The committee recognizes that the United States has global interests
and responsibilities. However, the increasing use of the armed forces
for humanitarian and civil support missions abroad diminishes the
military's capacity to respond to a significant conflict or crisis. The
U.S. armed forces were employed overseas more times in the past decade
than in the previous 45 years. Since 1989, the Army has participated in
35 major deployments, including a significant number of peacekeeping
missions. During the same period, the Army, including its Reserve
Components, reduced its force structure by more than 34 percent.
Continued high operating tempos risk bending the force to the breaking
point. The employment of U.S. military forces should be selective and
based on a pragmatic calculation of the risks and benefits to U.S.
national security. In establishing the funding priorities in this year's
bill, the committee is again guided by this fundamental principle.
MDBU THE ADMINISTRATION'S DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST
The President's defense budget request for fiscal year 2001 reflects
the first significant real increase in defense funding in a decade and,
unlike in previous years, does not appear to be premised on questionable
economic assumptions, assumed savings, and outlay gimmicks. In
submitting its proposed budget, the Administration appears to recognize
that quality of life, readiness, and modernization shortfalls are real,
that they have real-world implications, and that increased defense
spending is necessary. However, as Secretary of Defense William Cohen
testified before the committee on February 9, 2000, ``One budgetary
year, one submission or two submissions of real growth increase does not
a military make. It's going to take sustained commitment over the
years.''
Unfortunately, despite the increases proposed by the President this
year, serious mismatches between strategy, forces, and resources
continue to exist. Over the past eight years, the Administration's
cumulative defense budget requests have fallen more than $300 billion
short of even covering the costs of inflation relative to the fiscal
year 1993 defense spending levels it inherited--spending levels that
already reflected significant cutbacks resulting from President Bush's
post-Cold War downsizing of the U.S. military.
Although U.S. military strategy remains essentially unchanged from
that articulated in the QDR, the committee believes that the
Administration's current and planned levels of defense funding are
insufficient to carry out that strategy. The committee believes that the
United States will need to invest significantly more resources in order
to maintain even current military capabilities. As Secretary Schlesinger
testified before the committee on February 8, 2000, ``We cannot maintain
the present force structure and reequip the forces on the present budget
levels or the prospective budget levels. . . . The simple reality is
that we cannot sustain those forces. This is not a matter of opinion. It
is a matter of simple arithmetic. . . .'' The committee has sought
repeatedly to provide additional resources for defense that would
address the most serious deficiencies that exist.
Despite significant congressional increases to the defense budget
last year, the service chiefs testified before the committee in October
1999 to having at least $9 billion in critical unfunded requirements in
fiscal year 2000, excluding the unbudgeted costs of Kosovo operations.
Few, if any, of these shortfalls were addressed in the fiscal year 2000
supplemental submitted with the budget request. This led the House to
support a significant increase to the Administration's supplemental
request. In testimony before the committee earlier this year, the
service chiefs identified nearly $16 billion in unfunded military
requirements. Since last year, their five-year estimate of shortfalls
has increased from $38 billion to $84 billion. As General Eric Shinseki,
Army Chief of Staff, testified, ``there is still a mismatch between the
resources we have and the requirements we may face.''
In a recent report, the Center for Strategic and International
Studies (CSIS) concluded, ``A substantial defense strategy-resources
mismatch MDBU. MDBU. MDBU. already exists. It is profound. It has been
ongoing for some time and will take years to overcome. It is reaching
crisis proportions and requires immediate attention.'' With this in
mind, the committee has sought to address in this year's budget the most
serious aspects of this mismatch as they relate to readiness,
modernization, and quality of life.
MDBU RESTORING READINESS
Restoring military readiness is a key priority for the committee, as
U.S. military readiness is essential to securing America's future as the
world's sole superpower. In recent years, readiness has suffered as a
result of high operations tempo resulting from the high pace of
unscheduled contingency deployments around the world.
Historically, the Administration has sought to pay for these
deployments by raiding critical readiness accounts. In addition,
near-term readiness has been purchased at the expense of future
modernization. Admiral Jay Johnson, Chief of Navy Operations, told the
committee in October 1999 that ``fiscal constraints force us too often
to choose between near-term readiness and future modernization and
recapitalization.'' General James Jones, Commandant of the Marine Corps,
stated, ``We have sacrificed our procurement accounts to assist in
meeting the growing costs of keeping our aging equipment and weapons
MDBU`ready.'''
Unfortunately, the Administration's fiscal year 2001 defense budget
request contains few if any increases to readiness accounts and falls
well short of addressing the serious readiness problems that exist.
Moreover, current budget projections indicate that funding for critical
readiness needs will decline next year. Existing readiness problems
include a shortage of spare parts, aging equipment, decaying
infrastructure, growing equipment and facilities' backlogs, insufficient
training, and personnel shortages. According to Air Force Chief of Staff
General Michael Ryan, the overall combat readiness of the Air Force has
declined by 26 percent since 1996.
The committee finds this situation troubling, particularly in light
of the fact that the Administration has at long last acknowledged that
serious readiness shortfalls exist. In testifying on the fiscal year
2001 budget request on February 9, 2000, General Henry Shelton, Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that even recent funding
increases ``will not guarantee the levels of readiness needed to
significantly reduce risk in executing the National Military Strategy.''
Over the past five years, the Congress has added more than $7 billion
to the Administration's budget requests to fund day-to-day operations,
training, equipment and facility maintenance, and spare parts. The
committee bill continues this trend by adding significant additional
resources for critical readiness priorities.
MDBU EQUIPPING THE FORCE
For the United States to remain the world's preeminent military
power, additional investment in the development and procurement of
modern technology and equipment is essential. Our men and women in
uniform cannot be expected to fight and win the nation's wars in the
21st century solely with equipment developed and acquired in the 20th
century.
Although this year's budget request increases funding for research,
development, testing, and evaluation for the first time in five years,
important shortfalls remain in these critical accounts. In particular,
additional efforts are required in the area of national and theater
missile defenses. The committee budget reflects the committee's
historically strong support for the development of technologies that
could be deployed to protect the American homeland from the real and
growing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles and the
weapons of mass destruction they carry.
The Administration's budget request for fiscal year 2001 meets, for
the first time, the Administration's own target of providing $60 billion
for the procurement of equipment essential to a modern military.
However, this goal was attained through the use of innovative
accounting, such as including submarine overhaul funds in the
procurement accounts for the first time.
Despite meeting this milestone, the committee is troubled by the fact
that the $60.3 billion request is $1.5 billion below what the
Administration projected the request would be one year ago. This is
difficult to comprehend in an overall defense budget characterized by
real spending growth.
The committee notes that the military of 2000 is continuing to live
off the equipment investment decisions made almost two decades earlier.
The defense build-up that occurred under President Reagan has served the
nation well. However, the force that resulted from this build-up is
precisely the one being worn out as a result of extensive operational
deployments and inadequate resourcing. As Secretary Schlesinger told the
committee, the U.S. military continues to live off and wear out the
``capital'' of the late Cold War.
During its examination of the Administration's budget request, the
committee heard testimony from a variety of witnesses, including former
Department of Defense officials, who testified that the Administration's
procurement budget was insufficient to modernize and equip the current
QDR force well into the 21st century. The CSIS report estimated that
``DOD procurement budgets will need to average $164 billion annually''
over the next 10 years ``to provide for steady and continued
modernization and replacement of the QDR force.MDBU . . .'' Other
estimates have suggested that the current procurement budget is
underfunded by $25 billion to $50 billion. Former Deputy Secretary of
Defense John Hamre, in Senate testimony, stated, ``Even though we got to
$60 billion in our modernization budget, we're still not really making
up for the hole that we dug for ourselves during . . . the second half
of the '80s and the MDBU'90s.'' Even Secretary Perry testified before
the committee that procurement is underfunded. ``My own judgment is it
probably needs to be perhaps $70 to $80 billion,'' he declared.
Over the past five years, the committee has added nearly $18 billion
to the Administration's procurement budget requests and this bill adds
another $2.0 billion to the procurement accounts largely to meet the
most critical unfunded modernization requirements identified by the
service chiefs.
MDBU KEEPING FAITH MDBUWITH OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL
Ensuring a decent quality of life for military personnel and their
families remains central to the committee's efforts to revitalize the
all-volunteer U.S. armed forces. America's military is only as good as
the people who serve in it. Recruiting and retaining top-notch personnel
remains a key committee priority in this year's bill.
In recent years, each of the military services has encountered
difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. With this in
mind, the committee bill makes a series of improvements to the pay,
allowances, benefits, and living conditions of American military
personnel that significantly enhance the quality of life for them and
their families. The committee's actions follow up on last year's
initiatives taken by the Congress with respect to pay raises, pay table
reform, military retirement benefits, basic allowance for housing,
special pay and retention bonuses, and the military Thrift Savings Plan.
In particular, the committee bill removes the barriers to an
effective military healthcare system by restoring access to prescription
drug benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees, reduces out-of-pocket
costs for service personnel participating in the TRICARE Prime and
TRICARE Prime Remote programs, and expands the coverage provided under
this program to family members. Moreover, the bill allows TRICARE
reimbursements to be tailored to local area costs and allows
reimbursement for travel expenses incurred resulting from long-distance
referrals for medical care. The committee bill also makes a number of
management initiatives that are expected to save the Defense Health
Program over $500 million, which can be reinvested in benefits, instead
of being squandered on administration. The committee's actions will
result in improved access, portability of benefit, and increased savings
to U.S. service personnel for medical care.
In short, the committee bill fulfills the promise to make continued
improvements in compensation and health care programs begun in last
year's National Defense Authorization Act. In addition, the committee
bill includes a provision to eliminate the statutory requirement that
service members pay for 15 percent of housing costs from their own
pockets, and to authorize the Secretary of Defense to increase the basic
allowance for housing rates while reducing out-of-pocket housing
expenses for military members to zero by fiscal year 2005.
Military healthcare, morale, welfare, and recreation programs, as
well as the quality of facilities in which military personnel live and
work, also have a tangible effect on service members, their families,
and career decisions. Unfortunately, the Administration's budget request
significantly underfunds military construction and healthcare
improvements. The committee bill goes a long way toward improving the
quality of life for U.S. military personnel and their families.
MDBU THE COMMITTEE BILL: INVESTING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Over the past five years, the Congress has added nearly $50 billion
to the Administration's proposed defense budgets. These increases were
necessary, but not sufficient. They have helped stop the hemorrhaging of
America's defenses, but restoring U.S. military capability to that
required by U.S. commitments and national interests requires more. While
the committee recognizes that additional defense investments are
required, there is no question that U.S. national security would be
worse off had the committee and the Congress not acted in a responsible
manner to address the military's most pressing problems.
Modernizing and maintaining today's military forces, following on the
heels of a decade of real decline in defense budgets, will require the
kind of sustained commitment and investment in the years ahead that took
place in the early 1980s. Some may argue that the nation cannot afford
such an investment. In the committee's view, what the nation cannot
afford is another decade, like the last, of declining defense budgets
and shrinking military forces if the United States is to remain a
superpower able to promote and protect its global interests.
It is with this reality in mind that the committee has crafted a
defense budget designed to provide our service personnel with the best
tools our country can produce to enable them to defend our nation's
people, interests, and values. The committee bill represents the minimum
funding necessary to accomplish that goal. Although a greater level of
investment in America's security will be necessary over the coming years
if the nation is to be secure from the range of threats it will likely
confront, this bill is a necessary first step toward ensuring that
America's military can meet the challenges that lie ahead, and ensure
the safety and security of all Americans, well into the new millennium.
HEARINGS
Committee consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2001 results from extensive hearings that began on February
9, 2000 and that were completed on March 23, 2000. The full committee
conducted 6 sessions. In addition, a total of 27 sessions were conducted
by five different subcommittees and two panels of the committee on
various titles of the bill. MDBU
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
MDBU TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
MDBU OVERVIEW
In October 1995, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff first
advised the Secretary of Defense that in order to recapitalize the U.S.
armed forces after a decade of ever-decreasing defense procurement
budgets, $60 billion would be required annually and should be achieved
by fiscal year 1998. Over four years after this pronouncement and three
years after its subsequent endorsement by the 1997 Quadrennial Defense
Review (QDR), the fiscal year 2001 budget request finally reached that
level, although it is $1.5 billion below what was forecast at the time
the fiscal year 2000 budget was submitted to the Congress one year
agoMDBU--the sixth consecutive year in which this situation has
occurred. Consequently, it is not surprising that the service chiefs
continue to lament that many of their modernization needs are going
unmet. What is surprising is the fact that, notwithstanding these unmet
needs, the future years defense program similarly forecasts reductions
to the procurement budgets in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 from those made
a year ago while, at the same time, prominent former Department of
Defense (DOD) leaders in the current Administration advocate large
increases to these budgets.
For example, former Secretary of Defense, William Perry, testified
before the committee earlier this year that, ``Procurement proposed to
you in this budget is $60 billion in round figures. My own judgment is
it probably needs to be perhaps $70 to $80 billion MDBU. MDBU. MDBU.''
Also, in testimony before the Defense Subcommittee of the Senate
Appropriations Committee just prior to his resignation in March, former
Deputy Secretary of Defense, John Hamre, noted, ``Even though we got to
$60 billion in our modernization budget, we're still not really making
up for the hole that we dug for ourselves during the '90s. . . .
actually the second half of the '80s and the '90s. And we're going to
have to do a better job later on. This is where people said, MDBU`Well
what will it cost to do that?' I don't believe it's $100 billion a year
to do that, but I think it's in the $10 billion to $15 billion more a
year for procurement in order to start getting out of that hole.''
Having added nearly $18 billion to the procurement budget requests of
the past five years, the committee obviously shares the views of the two
former senior DOD officials. However, during most of this period the
committee has found itself to be seriously hampered in advocating a
dramatically larger modernization budget by a lack of support from the
DOD civilian leadership--including those individuals who now have
testified that, indeed, increased procurement funding is required.
Consequently, it has been unable to sustain the healthy $5 to $6 billion
adds to the procurement accounts that it made in fiscal years 1996 and
1997. Nevertheless, fiscal year 2001 marks the sixth consecutive year
the committee has increased the President's procurement budget, and the
$2.6 billion added has again been largely devoted to funding equipment
for which, according to the service chiefs, requirements have not been
met.
The committee continues to strongly believe that the resources
provided to the Department to carry out its national security strategy
of preparing to win two nearly simultaneous major theater wars is
inadequate. If this strategy remains intact following the fiscal year
2001 QDR, then it is imperative that the next Administration provide
adequate resources to modernize our armed forces from the outset and
sustain these resources for as long as required. As stated by former
Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger in his testimony to the committee
this year, ``The United States simply cannot continue to play the global
leadership role envisioned by the current national security strategy
without a substantial increase in defense spending.MDBU .MDBU .MDBU
.MDBU We cannot maintain the present force structure and reequip the
forces on the present budget levels or the prospective budget levels.''
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AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, ARMY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,323.3 million for Aircraft
Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $1,542.8 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
AH 64 modifications
The budget request contained $18.5 million for AH 64 modifications
but included no funds to continue procurement of the oil debris
detection system (ODDS) or the vibration management enhancement program
(VMEP).
The ODDS is an on-board detection system that alerts aircrews to the
presence of metal chips in engines and propeller gear boxes, which
allows flights to be terminated prior to catastrophic failure of
critical components. The system also permits the clearing of smaller
particles that routinely accumulate in engine oil and cause false
impending engine failure alarms resulting in unnecessary termination of
aircraft missions and costly engine diagnostics.
The VMEP is an Army National Guard (ARNG) effort currently directed
toward resolving vibration management problems on the ARNG's AH 64
Apache fleet, but the committee understands the technology is also
applicable to the UH 60 Blackhawk. The committee continues to support
the VMEP because of its belief that such on-board diagnostic
capabilities contribute significantly to both aircrew safety and
improved aircraft reliability.
Since the ODDS, which has been successfully integrated into other
Department of Defense aircraft, both reduces aircraft maintenance costs
and enhances aircrew safety, the committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million to incorporate the ODDS on AH 64 Apaches. The committee
also recommends an increase of $7.0 million to continue procurement of
VMEP systems for the ARNG Apache fleet and to transition this technology
to the Blackhawk.
In total, the committee recommends $30.5 million for AH 64
modifications, an increase of $12.0 million.
Airborne reconnaissance low (ARL)
The budget request contained no funds to procure ARL aircraft. The
ARL supports intelligence collection requirements for forward-deployed
force projection, operations other-than-war, and mid-intensity
conflicts.
The committee understands that the final ARL aircraft validated by
the Joint Requirements Oversight Council remains unfunded and is
required to replace the less capable ARL-imagery intelligence (I)
aircraft lost in South America in 1999. The ARL M possesses integrated
imagery intelligence, communications intelligence, a moving target
indicator and synthetic aperture radar; consequently, it offers a
broader intelligence collection capability than the ARL I aircraft.
The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a
$31.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for this
replacement aircraft. In support of this requirement, the committee
recommends $31.0 million for one ARL M replacement aircraft.
Airborne communications
The budget request contained no funds to continue procurement of the
AN/ARC 220 aviation high frequency radios, which provide secure voice
and data communications capability between Army helicopters flying
nap-of-the-earth missions and beyond-line-of-sight aviation tactical
operations centers.
The committee notes that the Task Force Hawk after action report
identified the lack of such capability in AH 64 Apache attack
helicopters as a major deficiency for conducting long-range strike
missions. The committee understands that the budget request will result
in a break in the production line. The committee further notes that the
Army Chief of Staff has identified a $31.8 million unfunded requirement
in fiscal year 2001 for AH 64 Apache and OH 58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter
radios.
Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $31.8 million
to ensure the fielding of radios for both AH 64 Apache attack
helicopters and OH 58D Kiowa Warriors and to prevent a production line
break.
Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE)
The budget request contained no funds for the procurement of ASE.
The Aircraft Survivability Equipment Trainer (ASET) IV is a
ground-based, mobile aviation threat emitter simulation and training
system which enables both fixed and rotary wing aviators to recognize
surface-to-air-missile (SAM) and anti-aircraft artillery threats in
order to employ the correct aircraft evasive maneuvers. ASET IV systems
are currently fielded at major training centers throughout the United
States and Germany and require that an aircraft have a fully operational
ASE suite of sensors on board for training.
Congress added $7.4 million in fiscal year 1998, $6.4 million in
fiscal year 1999, and $12.5 million in fiscal year 2000 for ASET IV
upgrades and notes that the necessity of this training device was a
subject of discussion in the Task Force Hawk After Action Report.
However, additional validated requirements exist and several systems in
their present configuration still lack the capability to simulate the
most current infrared (IR) and SAM threats, thereby limiting aircrew
training. The committee believes this situation is inconsistent with the
Army's ``train as you fight'' concept.MDBU
Consistent with its past actions, and based on the Army's requirement
for forces to train in realistic threat environments, the committee
recommends an increase of $8.0 million for upgrading ASET IV systems
with current IR SAM threat simulators.
Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) modifications
The budget request contained $4.5 million to procure ASE
modifications but included no funds for AN/AVR 2A laser detecting sets
(LDS). The LDS is the only device in the Army capable of providing
warning to helicopter crews when they have been illuminated by a
laser-targeted weapon. It detects, identifies, and characterizes threats
360-degrees-around and plus-or-minus 45 degrees above-and-below an
aircraft.
The committee continues to be concerned with the growing laser threat
to helicopter aircrews and notes the limited fielding of this system to
force package one
aircraft only. The committee also notes the identification by
the Army Chief of Staff of an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001
to complete LDS ``A'' kit installation on AH 64A Apaches, AH 64D Apache
Longbows, and MH 47D/E and MH 60K/L Special Operations Aircraft as well
as to prevent a production line break.
Based on a growing laser threat to Army attack and special operations
aircraft and its desire to extend fielding of this system beyond force
package one units, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million
for procurement of AN/AVR 2A LDS A kits.
CH 47 Chinook/UH 60 Blackhawk crashworthy fuel tanks
The budget request contained $117.1 million for modifications to CH
47 Chinooks and $3.0 million for modifications to UH 60 Blackhawks but
included no funds for the procurement of CH 47 internal crashworthy fuel
tanks or UH 60 external crashworthy fuel tanks for Army National Guard
(ARNG) units.
The committee understands that both the UH 60's external fuel tanks
and the CH 47's internal fuel tanks are subject to rupture in the event
of a crash, posing a safety risk to flight crews and passengers. Since
current battlefield flight scenarios require these helicopters to fly
long-range missions into hostile environments, the committee believes
that extended range, crashworthy fuel tanks are critical to the safety
and survivability of these aircraft.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million to
continue upgrading ARNG CH 47s with internal crashworthy fuel tanks and
$9.0 million to begin procurement of external crashworthy fuel tanks for
ARNG UH 60s.
Helicopter crashworthy seats
The committee is concerned about improving the safety performance of
Army helicopter seats. While existing pilot and the co-pilot seats offer
some protection in the event of a hard impact in a crash, passenger and
troop seats offer minimal or no protection from the acceleration forces
created by such a crash, resulting in fatalities and serious injury of
soldiers.
Accordingly, the committee strongly encourages the Department of the
Army to include funds in its fiscal year 2002 budget request for the UH
60 Blackhawk and CH 47 Chinook helicopters to begin procurement of
passenger and troop compartment crashworthy seats, which can provide
protection for a majority of expected survivable crashes.
TH 67 Creek
The budget request contained no funds to procure TH 67 Creek training
helicopters.
The committee notes that a shortfall in visual flight, instrument
flight, and basic combat skills training helicopters will occur with the
anticipated retirement of Vietnam-era UH 1 and OH 58 A/C aircraft as
outlined in the draft fiscal year 2000 Army Aviation Modernization Plan.
The committee understands that the Army does not intend to replace these
retiring aircraft due to affordability concerns. However, the committee
also notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $35.0 million
unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for 27 TH 67s.
Based on the need to replace the aging Huey and OH 58 A/C fleet as
soon as possible and the need to provide quality training for Army
aviators, the committee recommends an increase of $24.0 million for 19
TH 67 helicopters.
UH 60 Blackhawk
The budget request contained $64.7 million for the procurement of six
UH 60L Blackhawk utility helicopters for the Army National Guard (ARNG)
but included no funds for UH 60Q enhanced medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
helicopters or Firehawk conversion kits for the ARNG. The Blackhawk is
the Army's primary utility helicopter for air assault, general support
and aero medical evacuation missions.
The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a
$196.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for the
procurement of 20 additional Blackhawks for the ARNG in recognition of a
shortfall that has persisted for a number of years in ARNG units. The
committee also notes that the UH 60Q MEDEVAC helicopter is the number
one near-term medical modernization program for the Army and provides
enhanced medical evacuation and treatment of six litter or seven
ambulatory patients in a state-of-the-art medical treatment cabin
interior. Finally, the committee notes that the Firehawk conversion kit,
which enables a UH 60 to carry up to 1000 gallons of water in the under
fuselage tank and fully refill via a snorkel system in approximately one
minute after dropping its payload on a fire, greatly enhances the ARNG's
ability to support forest firefighting requirements.
Consistent with its actions in prior fiscal years, the committee
recommends an increase of $27.9 million to procure three additional UH
60L Blackhawks and $40.2 million to procure three UH 60Q MEDEVAC
variants. The committee also recommends $3.0 million to procure two
Firehawk conversion kits for the ARNG.
In total, the committee recommends $135.8 million for the UH 60
helicopter, an increase of $71.1 million.
MISSILE PROCUREMENT, ARMY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,295.7 million for Missile
Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $1,367.7 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) system summary
The budget request contained $15.0 million for ATAMCS Block IA
missile production support costs, but included no funds to procure
ATACMS Block IV missiles. The ATACMS is a surface-to-surface, global
positioning system-guided missile for deep-strike attacks against
tactical surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile sites, logistics
elements, and command, control, communications complexes.
The committee is aware of the ATACMS Block IV upgrade that will
incorporate Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response warheads into
51 ATACMS Block IA missiles. This warhead upgrade is designed to limit
collateral damage when used against targets in urban environments and is
a direct outgrowth of the Army's inability to conduct deep strike
missions against such targets with its existing ATACMS missile inventory
during Operation Allied Force.
The committee believes that the Army should have the capability to
provide joint force commanders with a surface-to-surface deep strike
option, which produces limited collateral damage in urban environments.
Therefore, the committee recommends $10.0 million to upgrade 51 ATACMS
Block IA missiles to Block IV configuration.
Multipurpose individual munition (MPIM) advance procurement
The budget request contained $3.5 million for advance procurement of
the MPIM. Subsequent to the submission of the budget request to
Congress, Army program officials identified additional alternate warhead
research, development, test and evaluation work required to develop
further the lethality of the MPIM and reduce its weight. Accordingly,
the committee recommends a transfer of the $3.5 million requested for
MPIM advance procurement to PE 64802A for this purpose.
Patriot advanced capability-2 (PAC 2)
The budget request contained $22.9 million for Patriot missile
modifications.
The committee is aware that certain variants of the PAC 2 missile
have recently experienced unexpectedly high rates of failure in certain
components. Although reductions in unit readiness have not yet occured,
the committee believes that repair and upgrade of these missiles is
needed to assure that PAC 2 inventories remain sufficiently robust to
meet validated requirements. The committee understands that acceleration
of this process by one year will help meet this objective, provide for
earlier fielding of a guidance-enhanced missile with improved ballistic
and cruise missile defense capabilities, and generate significant cost
savings.
Therefore, the committee recommends $88.4 million for Patriot
modifications, and increase of $65.5 million.
Patriot anti-cruise missile (PACM)
The budget request contained no funds for PACM procurement.
The PACM program has developed a new seeker that would provide older
Patriot missiles with anti-cruise missile capabilities. The statement of
managers accompanying the conference report on H.R. 1401 (H.
Rept.106-162) required the Secretary of Defense to use the Defense
Science Board (DSB) to assess PACM capabilities and the opportunity
costs of PACM acquisition. The committee notes that the final DSB report
indicates that between $100 and $125 million of research and development
funding are needed to complete PACM design, resolve parts obsolescence,
prepare facilities for production, integrate PACM with Patriot ground
elements, and complete ground and flight testing. The DSB also indicated
that the cost to upgrade PAC 2 airframes to the PACM configuration is
about $1.0 million per missile. The committee believes that, even if
ground- and flight-testing needed to make an informed judgment on the
technical merits of the missile were complete, the costs identified by
the DSB would still be prohibitive. For these reasons, the committee
recommends no funds for PACM procurement, as requested.
WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES, ARMY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,874.6 million for procurement of Army
weapons and tracked combat vehicles for fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends authorization of $2,167.9 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Armored vehicle launch bridge (AVLB) service life extension
program (SLEP)
The budget request contained $15.3 million to conduct a SLEP of AVLB
vehicles. As a result of the cancellation of the Wolverine Heavy Assault
Bridge (HAB), a SLEP for the 36-year old, 60-ton military load class
(MLC) AVLB is now a priority for the Army. The SLEP will upgrade the
AVLB to a 70-ton MLC bridge, which will enable both the Abrams tank and
Hercules Improved Recovery Vehicles to safely cross expanses at full
span.
The committee notes the importance of this system and recognizes that
a number of these vehicles will remain in the Army inventory after the
fielding of the Wolverine HAB. The committee further notes its continued
support for the Wolverine HAB, which is discussed elsewhere in this
report. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.3 million
for the AVLB SLEP.
Bradley base sustainment
The budget request contained $359.4 million for the procurement of
Bradley A3 fighting vehicle upgrades, of which $6.1 million was included
for fielding Army National Guard (ARNG) A2 Operation Desert Storm (ODS)
variants.
The Bradley A2ODS is derived from upgrading the first-generation
Bradley A0's lethality, survivability, and mobility, as well as the
situational awareness of its crew. Modifications include installation of
a laser range finder, Global Positioning System navigation capability, a
combat identification system, a driver's thermal viewer, and a missile
countermeasure device.
When the Army completes all of its planned upgrades to the Bradley,
the active fleet will include a mix of the most advanced A3 variant,
along with A2 and A2ODS versions. The majority of the ARNG's Bradley
fleet, however, will remain unmodified and comprised mainly of
first-generation A0 vehicles, which were not mobilized during the
Persian Gulf War because of major survivability deficiencies. However,
as part of the new ARNG enhanced brigades, the committee notes that some
of these A0 vehicles will be required to deploy with active Army forces.
Because ARNG enhanced brigades will comprise an increasing percentage
of the Army's warfighting capability as a result of active force
reductions, the committee recommends $440.7 million, an increase of
$81.3 million, for upgrading an additional 65 Bradley A0 vehicles to the
A2ODS variant for the ARNG.
Bradley fighting vehicle system (BFVS) series (modifications)
The budget request contained $37.1 million to procure modification
kits for the BFVS but included no funds to procure AN/VVR 1 laser
warning receivers (LWR). The AN/VVR 1 LWR provides warning to armored
vehicle crews when a threat laser used to direct a laser-guided weapon
to its target has illuminated them.
Because the committee is aware of the proliferation of laser-guided
weapons and the increasing threat they pose to armored vehicles, it
recommends an increase of $20.0 million to procure additional AN/VVR-1
LWRs for the protection of high value warfighting assets.
Heavy assault bridge (HAB) system
The budget request contained no funds to continue procurement of the
HAB.
The HAB is a 70-ton military load-class bridge transported on a
modified M1A2 Abrams system enhancement program (SEP) tank chassis. The
system is capable of spanning gaps up to 79 feet, can be deployed in 5
minutes, and can be retrieved from either end in less than 10 minutes.
The committee is concerned by the Secretary of the Army's termination
of this program, especially after having provided a $14.0 million
increase for HAB advance procurement in fiscal year 2000, as well as
having authorized a combined M1A2 SEP/HAB multiyear procurement
contract. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has
identified the HAB as the Army's top unfunded modernization requirement
in fiscal year 2001.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $59.2 million
for 12 vehicles and $13.1 million in advance procurement for fiscal year
2002 to maintain HAB production.
Improved recovery vehicle (IRV)
The budget request contained $68.4 million to procure IRVs but
included no funds for the procurement of IRVs for the Army Reserve.
The 56-ton M88A1 is capable of towing only vehicles weighing less
than 60 tons. Consequently, two M88A1s are required to safely tow an
Abrams tank if it is rendered immobile due to combat damage or
mechanical failure. The M88A2 IRV upgrade includes increased engine
horsepower, as well as braking, steering, winch, lift, and suspension
capabilities required to safely recover Abrams tanks and other heavy
combat systems. MDBU
The committee understands that the Army Reserve has a shortfall of
three companies of IRVs in force package one reserve units. Accordingly,
the committee recommends $76.7 million, an increase of $8.3 million, for
additional M88A2 IRV upgrades for the Army Reserve.
Industrial preparedness
The budget request contained $3.6 million for storage and maintenance
of laid away equipment and facilities at Hawthorne Army Depot and Rock
Island and Watervliet Arsenals, but included no funds for expanding the
Armament Retooling and Support (ARMS) Initiative to include the
manufacturing arsenals.
The committee recommends a provision (sec. 113) that would expand the
ARMS Initiative to attract commercial tenants to these arsenals. The
committee believes that collocating such tenants with existing
ammunition plants has helped maintain both facilities and perishable
industrial skills of the ammunition production workforce with minimal
expenditure of public funds and that a similar effort to offset the
underutilization of the manufacturing arsenals would be equally
beneficial.
Therefore, the committee recommends $15.6 million, an increase of
$12.0 million to expand the ARMS initiative to include the manufacturing
arsenals.
M1 Abrams tank modifications
The budget request contained $36.1 million for M1 Abrams tank
modifications but included no funds for the procurement of M1A2 Abrams
System Enhancement Program (SEP) tank under armor auxiliary power units
(UAAPU).
The UAAPU is designed to power tank weapon systems in lieu of an
idling M1A2 Abrams SEP tank's gas turbine engine, which will reduce
engine wear, fuel consumption, fuel storage and transportation
requirements while increasing the operating life of the tank's
batteries. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has
identified an $18.9 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001MDBU
for 80 UAAPUs for M1A2 SEP tanks.
The committee believes that the savings realized by using an UAAPU
will be considerable and, therefore, recommends $55.0 million, an
increase of $18.9 million, for 80 UAAPUs.
M113 carrier modifications
The budget request contained $45.1 million for M113 carrier
modifications, of which $43.2 million was for M113 MDBU``A3MDBU''
upgrades. The M113A3 upgrade program, which is expected to add an
additional 20 years of service life to the vehicle, includes
installation of a new engine, transmission, external armored fuel tanks,
driver controls, and internal Kevlar spall liners.
The committee notes that M113A3 upgrades are among the highest
unfunded requirements identified by the Army Chief of Staff in fiscal
year 2001. The committee further notes that additional funds would
accelerate the fielding of A3 upgrades for force package two from fiscal
year 2004 into fiscal year 2002.
Therefore, consistent with its actions taken in prior fiscal years,
the committee recommends $95.1 million, an increase of $50.0 million for
additional M113A3 upgrade kits.
M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW)
The budget request contained no funds for the procurement of the M249
SAW.
The M249 SAW is a lightweight machine gun capable of delivering a
sustained volume of automatic, accurate, and highly lethal fire up to
ranges of 800 meters. It is fielded throughout the Army in airborne,
light and mechanized infantry, and air cavalry units. The committee is
concerned that the Army has eliminated funds for this weapon in the
future years defense program but notes that the Army Chief of Staff has
identified an $18.3 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for
the 4,280 remaining SAWs to complete the Army's procurement objective of
these weapons. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of
$18.3 million for this purpose to complete the procurement objective of
M249 SAWs.
MK19-3 grenade launcher
The budget request contained $11.8 million to procure MK19 3 grenade
launchers. The MK19 3 40 millimeter automatic grenade launcher can
engage point targets up to 1,500 meters in range and provide suppressive
fire up to 2,200 meters. The MK19 3 can also be used as a crew-served
weapon mounted on armored vehicles and High Mobility Multipurpose
Wheeled Vehicles.
The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff hasMDBU identified
an $8.1 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for MK19 3s for
Army National Guard (ARNG) units. The committee also notes this weapon's
increased importance in military operations in urban terrain and the
increasing deployment of ARNG units into contingency operations of this
type.
Based on these factors, and consistent with prior year actions to add
funds for MK19s, the committee recommends $14.3 million, an increase of
$2.5 million to procure additional MK19 3 grenade launchers.
Small arms production industrial base
The committee understands that there is reluctance within the
Department of the Army to forward requests for waivers to expand the
competition on particular small arms critical repair parts contracts to
the Secretary of Defense, pursuant to the authority provided in section
2473 of title 10, United States Code. The committee is concerned that
such waivers requested by the Army from the Secretary of Defense have
been denied. To ensure that competition is available, when necessary,
the committee reiterates that waivers on small arms critical repair
parts contracts should be forwarded to, and granted by, the Secretary of
Defense when he believes it is not necessary to preserve the small arms
production industrial base.
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,131.3 million for Ammunition
Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $1,199.3 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Army ammunition procurement
The budget request contained $1,131.3 million for procurement of
ammunition and production base support. The committee recommends
$1,199.3 million, an increase of $68.0 million for the following types
of ammunition programs, which include top unfunded requirements
identified by the Chief of Staff of the Army in fiscal year 2001:
[Dollars in millions]
Small/Medium Cal Ammunition:
CTG .50 cal, SLAPT M 903 (M 962)
$6.0
CTG .50 cal, Mk 211
2.0
Mortar Ammunition:
CTG mortar 60mm Illum M721/M767
8.0
CTG 120mm HE M934 w/MO Fuze
5.4
CTG 120mm Illum XM930 w/MTSQ Fuze
6.6
Artillery Ammunition:
Modular Artillery Charge System
20.0
Rockets:
Bunker Defeating Munition
10.0
Demolition Munitions:
APOBS
2.0
Production Base Support:
ARMS Initiative
8.0
OTHER PROCUREMENT, ARMY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $3,795.9 million for Other Procurement,
Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of
$4,095.3 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Army data distribution system (ADDS)
The budget request contained $32.7 million to procure Enhanced
Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) radios but included no funds
to procure EPLRS for the Army National Guard (ARNG).
The EPLRS radio is the Army's primary position location reporting
system, providing combat commanders information on the position of their
forces, in addition to supporting the majority of the data
communications requirements for brigade and below command and control.
The system provides secure, jam-resistant, near-real-time communications
and is essential to battlefield operations.
The committee notes that procurement and fielding of additional EPLRS
is a high priority for the ARNG since many of its units are in
deployment rotations to the Balkans and, as a result, must have the
necessary data communications capabilities to operate alongside active
Army units.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $51.2 million for ADDS, an
increase of $18.5 million to procure EPLRS for an ARNG enhanced brigade.
Automated data processing equipment (ADPE)
The budget request contained $172.1 million for procurement of ADPE,
of which $485,000 was included for automatic identification technology
(AIT).
AIT devices, which consist of various radio frequency, bar code
scanning, and data carrier devices, are components of automated
logistics systems that expedite receiving, storage, distribution, and
inventory management of new and repairable items. These devices are also
used to automate manufacturing process controls for aircraft repair
parts and to track ground support equipment at various military depots.
The committee believes that substantial savings can continue to be
achieved from further implementation of these devices in automated
inventory and repair processes. Therefore, the committee recommends
$178.1 million, an increase of $6.0 million, for maintenance AIT
implementation.
Army training modernization
The budget request contained $36.0 million to procure digital
training facilities and supporting infrastructure for The Army Distance
Learning Program (TADLP), of which $10.9 million was included for Army
National Guard (ARNG) distributed training technology.
TADLP provides automation and supporting infrastructure to improve
the training of service members and civilian workers in both the active
and reserve components to a single standard, particularly in military
occupational skill qualifications. Additionally, it provides a highly
effective means of delivering training and education to deployed troops
while reducing training delivery time and support costs.
The committee is aware of prior year increases in ARNG funding for
online courseware and training to enhance its role in support of ``first
responders'' to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents. The
committee understands that the ARNG has identified over 120 training
courses as essential for online WMD-related training and believes it is
important to support the ARNG's WMD first-response training requirement.
Therefore, the committee recommends $44.0 million for TADLP, an
increase of $8.0 million, for ARNG distributive training technology to
continue online courseware development and procure
commercial-off-the-shelf management system hardware and software for WMD
first-response training requirements.
Combat support medical
The budget request contained $31.6 million to procure deployable
medical systems and field medical equipment but included no funds for
rapid intravenous (IV) infusion pumps or for Life Support for Trauma and
Transport (LSTAT) units. The budget request also contained $6.3 million
in PE 64807A, but included funds for LSTAT.
The Rapid IV infusion pump is a miniature, portable, lightweight pump
specifically designed for life-saving intravenous fluid resuscitation by
a medic in the field to restore blood pressure and prevent shock and
death of victims with severe blood loss or dehydration. This system was
developed in conjunction with the Walter Reed Army Medical Institute of
Research and has received Food and Drug Administration approval. The
committee understands that it is estimated that up to 15 percent of the
soldiers that died in Vietnam who were not immediate battlefield
casualties would have survived their wounds if rapid infusion of fluids
had been a possibility during that conflict.
The LSTAT integrates a set of commercially available, Food and Drug
Administration-approved medical devices in a self-contained
mini-intensive care, medical evacuation platform, which provides
advanced life-support, on-board ventilation, suction, environmental
control, oxygen generation, and patient monitoring to stabilize wounded
soldiers near the battlefront as they are evacuated. LSTAT is configured
on a NATO-standard litter, is broadly interoperable with other medical
systems and compatible with most evacuation platforms including UH 60s,
UH 1s, C 130s, and High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles.
The committee is impressed with the potential life saving capability
that these devices offer, and, therefore, recommends $45.6 million, an
increase of $8.0 million to procure rapid IV infusion pumps and $6.0
million to begin procurement of LSTAT units. The committee also
recommends $10.3 million in PE64807A, an increase of $4.0 million for
development of expanded LSTAT capabilities.
Combat training centers instrumentation support
The budget request contained $81.8 million for combat training
centers support but included no funds for either the Army National Guard
(ARNG) deployable force-on-force instrumented range system (DFIRST) or
the multi-purpose range complex-heavy (MPRC H).
Encouraged by the fact that the DFIRST system was chosen over all
current force-on-force instrumentation systems by the All Service Combat
Identification Evaluation Team (ASCIET) as the instrumentation system
for the fiscal year 1999 Joint Exercise, in the committee report on H.R.
1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee recommended a pilot program at
two ARNG training sites to explore the capabilities and benefits of
DFIRST systems to increase readiness of ARNG units through more
effective training and at a lower cost with greater safety. To continue
this concept of force-on-force, simulation-based training at regional
training centers, the committee recommends an increase of $10.5 million
for the three additional DFIRSTs.
The committee understands that targeting electronic upgrades are
needed for the MPRC H authorized by the Military Construction
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (division B of Public Law 106
65). The committee believes that such upgrades are absolutely paramount
for effectively training ARNG units for their growing worldwide
deployments.
Therefore, the committee recommends $3.2 million for MPRC H targetry
electronic upgrades. In total, the committee recommends $95.5 million
for combat training centers, an increase of $13.7 million.
Communications equipment system upgrades
The committee believes that currently fielded military radios and
communication systems still require upgrades to improve operational
capability and dependability, as well as reduce operations and support
costs and is aware that Military Standard 188 141A includes an approved
miniaturized, multi-function, digital communications technology, based
on compressor and expander techniques, that dramatically improves
quality of voice and data communications over both wired and wireless
networks. Accordingly, the committee expects the Department of Defense
to continue to use this technology, when cost effective, to upgrade and
improve current communications systems such as, but not limited to, the
Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, the Joint Tactical
Radio System, and the ARC 190 and PRC 104 radios.
Construction equipment service life extension program (SLEP)
The budget request contained $2.0 million for service life extensions
to various types of construction equipment but included no funds to
conduct an Army National Guard (ARNG) D 7 dozer and Army Reserve heavy
grader and scraper SLEP.
The committee understands that the majority of the currently fielded
ARNG D 7 dozers have an average age of 27 years, well beyond their
intended 15 year service lives and that there are no plans to replace
them. Additionally, the committee notes that the average age of Army
Reserve graders and scrapers is 15 years. Both of these types of
equipment continue to have greater demands placed on them by the
increased ``operations-other-than-war'' deployments being fulfilled by
the reserve component have been called upon to fulfill.
Therefore, the committee recommends $12.0 million for construction
equipment SLEPs, an increase of $5.0 million for an ARNG D 7 dozer SLEP
and $5.0 million for an Army Reserve heavy scraper and grader SLEP.
Cranes
The budget request contained $6.1 million to procure cranes, of which
$3.0 million was included for the procurement of three replacement
wheel-mounted, 25-ton all-terrain cranes (ATECs). However, no ATECs were
requested for the Army Reserve (AR).
The ATEC is a multi-use, state-of-the-art, commercial all-terrain
crane used for engineer construction excavation, lifting and loading
general supplies and materiel, and bridging movement. The ATEC replaces
three existing types of cranes, which range in age from 19 to 30 years
old and suffer from low operational readiness rates and high operations
and support costs, with a single, state-of-the-art unit that exceeds all
three of the obsolete cranes' capabilities.
The committee notes the importance of ATECs in fulfilling Army
Reserve combat support and combat service support mission requirements
and recommends $16.1 million, an increase of $10.0 million, to procure
ATECs for the Army Reserve.
Deployable universal combat earthmovers (DEUCE)
The budget request contained $14.1 million to procure DEUCEs. The
DEUCE is a military-unique, high speed, earthmoving tractor capable of
clearing, leveling, and excavating operations for light and airborne
divisions.
The committee understands that the DUECE will be a critical piece of
equipment for the Army's interim medium brigades. The committee notes
that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $14.0 million unfunded
requirement in fiscal year 2001 to procure 36 DEUCEs for the Army's
initial and interim brigades as part of the service's transformation.
Therefore, the committee recommends $24.3 million, an increase of
$10.2 million, to begin fielding DEUCEs to the interim brigades.
Family of heavy tactical vehicles (FHTV)
The budget request contained $166.1 million for the procurement of
the FHTV. Although the budget request included $121.8 million for Army
National Guard (ARNG) FHTV and $6.2 million for Army Reserve FHTV, no
funds were included for the procurement of Heavy Expanded Mobility
Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) or Heavy Expanded Mobility Trailers (HEMAT) for
ARNG Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) battalion conversions. The
HEMTT is a diesel powered, 10-ton, 8-wheel drive, tactical vehicle that
transports ammunition, and petroleum. The vehicle is also produced in
wrecker, tanker, and tractor variants and is the prime mover in support
of certain missile systems, including the MLRS.
The committee notes the Army Chief of Staff has identified an
unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for additional HEMMTs and
HEMATs for ARNG MLRS battalion conversion. The committee is also aware
of a HEMTT fire truck shortfall in two Army Reserve combat service
support companies that are designated as force package one units. These
vehicles would replace obsolete fire trucks that were commercially
adapted for military purposes.
The committee recommends $171.1 million for the FHTV, an increase of
$3.8 million to procure both HEMTTs and HEMATs for ARNG MLRS battalion
conversion and $1.2 million to procure three HEMTT fire trucks for the
Army Reserve.
Family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV)
The budget request contained $438.3 million for procurement of, and
identified improvements to the FMTV, of which $84.0 million was included
for two and one-half-ton variants for the Army National Guard (ARNG) and
$33.8 million was included for these variants for the Army Reserve. The
FMTV comprise the Army's two and one-half-ton and five-ton, common
chassis cargo and utility trucks. The committee notes that the Army
Chief of Staff has identified a $118.9 million unfunded requirement in
fiscal year 2001 for reserve component FMTV due to the increasing
reliance upon the reserves for combat support and combat service support
missions.
The committee strongly supports upgrading the reserve component's
aging fleet of trucks and, therefore, recommends $473.3 million, an
increase of $35.0 million for additional Army Reserve two and
one-half-ton and five-ton FMTVs.
High mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)
The budget request contained $110.7 million for 1,002 HMMWVA2s, which
incorporate upgraded electrical, braking, engine and transmission
improvements as well as a 15-year corrosion prevention program, but
included no funds for HMMWVs to fill critical shortages in Army Reserve
combat support and combat service support units.
The HMMWV is a multi-service, four-wheel drive utility and logistics
vehicle. The Army fleet is used for personnel and weapons transport,
medical evacuation, and as an air defense weapon-mount platform. While
recognizing that the HMMWVs requested in the budget will replace older
vehicles in high priority active component units, the committee is
concerned that certain Army Reserve units do not have enough HMMWVs to
meet their growing mission and deployment requirements.
Therefore, the committee recommends $115.7 million, an increase of
$5.0 million, for 100 Army Reserve HMMWVA2s.
Hydraulic excavator (HYEX)
The budget request contained $8.3 million for procurement of HYEXs,
of which $2.6 million was included for 11 Army Reserve HYEXs. The HYEX
is a diesel driven, self-propelled, tracked vehicle with a wide variety
of excavation attachments used for general excavation; digging;
trenching and lifting for lines of communication;
logistics-over-the-shore, and other construction activities primarily in
support of Corps and Echelons Above Corps levels.
The committee understands that a HYEX shortfall exists in high
priority Army Reserve construction units and that these units will
continue to operate existing obsolete equipment for the foreseeable
future until it is replaced.
Based upon increased reliance on the reserve component to provide
engineer equipment for operations-other-than-war, and
disaster/humanitarian relief operations, the committee recommends $10.6
million, an increase of $2.3 million, for 13 additional Type I HYEXs for
the Army Reserve.
Information system security program (ISSP)
The budget request contained $54.4 million, $46.6 million, and $15.7
million to procure secure voice and data equipment for the Army, Navy,
and Air Force respectively.
The committee report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162) recommended an
increase of $9.0 million in fiscal year 2000 to support the services'
efforts to replace older secure voice and data systems with modern
multi-media secure digital communications equipment. The committee
continues to strongly support upgrading critical telecommunications
equipment to safeguard classified or sensitive information in the face
of growing information security threats.
Therefore, in order to accelerate the replacement of obsolete secure
voice and data terminals, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0
million to procure additional secure terminal equipment: $4.0 million
for the Army ISSP, $4.0 million for the Navy and Marine Corps ISSP, and
$4.0 million for the Air Force ISSP.
Integrated family of test equipment (IFTE)
The budget request contained $65.4 million to procure IFTE, of which
$37.1 million was included for Contact Test Sets (CTS) Soldier Portable
On-System Repair Tool (SPORT).
The CTS SPORT is the Army's standard lightweight, ruggedized,
portable tester used at all levels of maintenance to automatically
diagnose faulty electronic components for immediate replacement.
The committee has strongly supported the IFTE program over the years
and continues to believe in the productivity improvements resulting from
automatic test equipment usage. Therefore, the committee recommends
$70.4 million for IFTE, an increase of $5.0 million, to procure
additional CTS SPORTs.
However, the committee is aware that the current CTS SPORT indefinite
delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract will expire in June 2001.
Based on the importance of the CTS SPORT to numerous weapons systems and
to avoid possible fielding interruptions for this equipment, the
committee expects the Secretary of the Army to extend the current ID/IQ
contract for CTS SPORT and understands that this extension would require
no government costs.
Laundries, showers, and latrines
The budget request contained $12.6 million to procure the Laundry
Advanced System (LADS). The LADS is a mobile field laundry designed to
launder clothing at four times the capacity of the current, but obsolete
M 85 field laundry system and recycle 99 percent of the water used by
the M 85 system.
The committee believes the logistical benefit to field combat service
support units from reduced water usage combined with the enhancement to
deployed soldiers' quality of life provided by LADS are impressive.
Consequently, the committee strongly supports the Army's efforts to
replace the obsolete and unserviceable M 85 system and recommends $21.6
million, an increase of 9.0 million, to accelerate procurement of LADS.
Lightweight maintenance enclosure (LME)
The budget request contained $2.0 million to procure LMEs. The LME is
a lightweight, frame-supported tent designed to provide forward deployed
maintenance units a quick setup-and-takedown enclosed shelter in which
to perform field maintenance operations across the battlefield in all
climatic conditions.
The committee notes that mobility will be the hallmark of the Army's
future medium brigades and that they must therefore be capable of
rapidly repairing and maintaining equipment while deployed. The
committee also notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $4.6
million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for LMEs to maintain
production at minimum sustaining rate.
Therefore, the committee recommends $6.6 million, an increase of $4.6
million, for the procurement of additional LMEs and to maintain a
minimum production rate.
M56 smoke generator system
The budget request contained $11.4 million for the procurement of M56
smoke generator systems.
The M56 smoke generator system, the primary battlefield obscurant for
Army light forces, is a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled
Vehicle-mounted system capable of disseminating smoke in both a
stationary mode and on the move. The M56 can defeat enemy sensors such
as tank thermal sights as well as smart and guided munitions, which
operate in the visual through far infrared regimes of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
The committee understands that the M56 has been designated as an
essential item of equipment for early entry forces yet is not being
produced at an economic production rate. Therefore, to address this
problem, the committee recommends $22.8 million, an increase of $11.4
million, to reach an economic production rate of this system.
M915/M916 line haul truck tractor
The budget request contained $43.0 million for 915A3 line haul
tractors, of which $3.4 million was included for M915A3s for the Army
Reserve. The M915A3 line haul tractor is a six-by-four wheel drive
vehicle fielded primarily in medium transportation companies and used to
haul containers and petroleum over both primary and secondary roads.
The committee notes that currently fielded M915 tractors are
experiencing reduced mission capable rates and are both difficult and
expensive to operate due to old age. To correct this deficiency and to
fill critical shortages in Army Reserve line haul companies, the
committee recommends $44.6 million for M915/M916 line haul truck
tractors, an increase of $1.6 million to procure 12 additional upgraded
M915A3 tractors.
Night vision devices
The budget request contained $34.1 million to procure night vision
devices, of which $29.5 million was included for AN/PVS 7 night vision
goggles. However, no funds were included for third generation, 25
millimeter (mm) image intensification tube upgrades.
The AN/PVS 7 night vision goggle is a state-of-the-art
image-intensifying system, which can be head- or helmet-mounted to
enhance the dismounted soldier's nighttime operations. The 25mm image
intensification tube upgrade program, which replaces less capable tubes
with the third generation variant in fielded AN/PVS 4 night vision
goggles and AN/TVS 5 night vision sights, provides a minimum 25 percent
resolution increase in these systems.
The committee has consistently supported additional funds for night
vision devices the past five years, and notes that the Army Chief of
Staff has identified $14.8 million unfunded requirements in fiscal year
2001 to procure AN/PVS 7 night vision goggles and $8.4 million for third
generation, 25mm image intensification tube upgrades.
Consistent with prior year actions, the committee recommends an
increase of $12.0 million for AN/PVS 7 night vision goggles and $8.4
million for third generation, 25mm image intensification tube upgrades.
The committee expects $400,000 of the AN/PVS 7 increase to be used to
procure these goggles for Army Reserve combat support units.
Nonsystem training devices
The budget request contained $91.9 million for procurement of various
training devices and range modernization but no funds were included for
continued procurement of engagement skills trainer (EST) 2000 or Abrams
Full-crew Interactive Skills Trainers (A FIST) XXI upgrades for the Army
National Guard (ARNG).
The EST 2000 simulates three-dimensional targets in several realistic
terrain environments, providing marksmanship, squad-tactical, and
close-range shoot-no-shoot training. This system also provides both
shooter and instructor with real-time and post-exercise weapon handling
technique feedback. The committee understands that the ARNG has a
requirement for 100 EST 2000 systems.
The ARNG A FISTs do not meet current Army tank gunnery training
standards and require software upgrades to enhance training on the tank
commander's weapon station and to provide identical gunnery matrices to
the Conduct Of Fire Trainer, the Army's standard for stand-alone
precision gunnery training devices. The committee understands that these
upgrades will offer significant training advantages for tank crews as
well as reduced maintenance costs. The committee also understands that
the ARNG has developed a three-year, A FIST XXI conversion program to
incorporate these upgrades.
The committee believes that these training systems are critical for
ARNG forces' marksmanship and gunnery simulation training in light of
their increased worldwide deployments. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $8.0 million for procurement of 30 EST 2000
systems and an increase of $9.0 million for the first increment of a
three-year A FIST XXI conversion program, both for the ARNG. In total,
the committee recommends $108.9 million for nonsystem training devices,
an increase of $17.0 million.
Reserve component automation system (RCAS)
The budget request contained $91.5 million to procure and field RCAS
equipment and software.
The RCAS is critical to the day-to-day operation and mobilization
capability of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. If continued
support for, and improvements to, this program are not made, the reserve
components will experience a significant deterioration in their ability
to mobilize in support of national security missions in a timely manner.
The committee understands that there is a limitation of Army funds
allocated for the RCAS beyond fiscal year 2002.
The committee expects the Secretary of the Army to budget sufficient
funds in the future years defense program to ensure that the RCAS will
be able to effectively fulfill the administrative support and
mobilization requirements of the reserve components. The committee also
expects the Secretary to provide a report to the congressional defense
committees on the yearly allocation of funds required annually maintain
and improve the RCAS program by March 1, 2001.
Ribbon bridge
The budget request contained $15.7 million for ribbon bridge
equipment but included no funds to procure this equipment for Army
National Guard (ARNG) multi-role bridge companies (MRBC). Ribbon bridge
equipment consists of 10-ton, 8-wheel drive M1977 Heavy Expanded
Mobility Tactical Truck Common Bridge Transporters, M15 Bridge Adaptor
Pallets, and M14 Improved Boat Cradles.
The committee understands that seven ARNG MRBC will be established in
fiscal year 2001 using existing engineer bridging equipment and older,
lower-capacity, five-ton trucks. The committee also understands that
without additional funds, these new MRBC units will not begin conversion
to the new equipment required for their mission until fiscal year 2004.
Therefore, the committee recommends $42.7 million for ribbon bridging
equipment, an increase of $27.0 million to accelerate the fielding of
two ARNG MRBC.
Single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) family
The budget request contained $18.3 million for the procurement and
the fielding of airborne SINCGARS, but included no funds to procure
SINCGARS advanced system improvement program (ASIP) radios for the Army
National Guard (ARNG).
The SINCGARS ASIP radio upgrades early version voice-only radios and
includes a tactical Internet controller and integrated communications
security enhancements, which provide commanders a highly reliable,
easily maintained, secure voice and data handling command and control
capability.
The committee understands that two ARNG divisions still require
improved SINCGARS; and, without these upgraded radios, these forces will
be unable to transmit and receive data from their active Army components
when participating together in joint and combined operations.
Therefore, the committee recommends $49.0 million for SINCGARS, an
increase of $30.7 million, to procure SINCGARS ASIP radios for one ARNG
division.
Small tug
The budget request contained no funds to procure small tugs.
The small tug is a 60-foot, steel hull, twin propeller vessel
designed to tow general cargo barges in harbors, inland waterways, and
along coastlines. It is also capable of assisting larger tugs in mooring
ships of all sizes at piers and in restricted navigation waterways,
moving of floating cranes and machine shops, and performing
line-handling duties.
The committee is aware of the Army's intent to replace its unreliable
40-year old small tugs that were used in Operations Desert Shield and
Desert Storm and understands that it has increased its requirement to
fifteen tugs to replace these older vessels. The committee included an
increase of $4.7 million in fiscal year 1999 to procure two additional
tugs and $9.0 million in fiscal year 2000 to complete the earlier
requirement of eight tugs. However, the committee notes that the Army
has not budgeted for the additional seven new tugs in its future years
defense program.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million to
accelerate procurement of 3 additional vessels towards completion of the
requirement for 15 small tugs.
Standard integrated command post system (SICPS)
The budget request contained $36.0 million to procure SICPS
components, of which $1.3 million was included for modular command post
system (MCPS) tents.
The MCPS tent consists of a lightweight aluminum frame,
interchangeable fabric wall sections, fabric roof, floors and liners,
worktables, map boards, and light sets. Multiple MCPS tents can be
interconnected to create a large complex. The committee notes the Army
Chief of Staff has identified a $40.1 million unfunded requirement in
fiscal year 2001 to accelerate the procurement of SICPS components for
force packages one and two.
The committee is aware of the vital role MCPS tents play in growing
worldwide deployments and, therefore, recommends $41.0 million, an
increase of $2.0 million and $3.0 million respectively, to procure MCPS
for active and Army National Guard units.
Standard teleoperating kit
The budget request contained $700,000 to procure Standardized Robotic
System (SRS) vehicle teleoperating kits.
The SRS kit can be installed on existing tracked or wheeled vehicles
to enable them to be operated by remote control, if circumstances
dictate, to clear mines. The committee understands that SRS contingency
sets have been responsible for detonating hundreds of mines while
deployed in Bosnia. The committee also notes that redesigned combat
engineer force structure requires SRS equipment at all force levels,
including the new interim medium brigades.
Based on the successful employment of this technology and the
critical life saving mission that it performs, the committee recommends
$10.7 million for standard teleoperating equipment, an increase of $10.0
million for additional SRS kits.
Vibratory self-propelled roller
The budget request contained $4.7 million to procure vibratory
self-propelled rollers. The vibratory self-propelled roller is a
commercial compacting vehicle used to support construction of airfields,
logistic areas, and roads required to deploy and sustain Army forces.
The committee notes that the last major procurement of this equipment
occurred in the early 1980s and that its 22-year average age, combined
with the effects of increased deployments, has reduced its readiness
ratings to unsatisfactory levels. The committee also notes that the Army
Chief of Staff has identified a $10.0 million unfunded requirement in
fiscal year 2001 to replace vibratory self-propelled rollers for both
the active and reserve components as a fiscal year 2001 unfunded
requirement.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $11.7 million, an increase of
$7.0 million to procure 96 additional vibratory self-propelled rollers,
including $3.0 million for active Army units and $4.0 million for Army
Reserve units.
CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, ARMY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,003.5 million for Chemical Agents and
Munitions Destruction, Army, for fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends no funds for fiscal year 2001.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION
The budget request contained $1,003.5 million for Chemical Agents and
Munitions Destruction, Army.
The committee notes that section 1412 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 (Public Law 99 145), as amended,
requires that funds for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal
chemical agents and munitions, including funds for military construction
projects necessary to carry out the demilitarization program shall only
be authorized and appropriated in the budget of the Department of
Defense (DOD) as a separate program and shall not be included in the
budget accounts for any military department. The committee notes that
for the second year in a row, the Department's budget request contained
funds for the chemical demilitarization program in a budget account of
the Department of the Army in direct violation of the law.
The committee believes that the original legislation, which mandated
that funds for the chemical demilitarization program be authorized and
appropriated in a defense-wide budget account in order to emphasize that
destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile was a national issue
affecting all of the Department and not just a single military service,
was sound in 1986, when the estimated cost of the chemical stockpile
demilitarization program was approximately $1.5 billion, and is even
more valid today, when the estimated cost of the program has grown
almost ten-fold.
Accordingly, the committee recommends no funding for Chemical Agents
and Munitions Destruction, Army, a decrease of $1,003.5 million. The
committee recommends an increase of $877.1 million for Chemical Agents
and Munitions Destruction, Defense.
AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, NAVY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $7,963.9 million for Aircraft
Procurement, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $8,205.8 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Advanced helicopter emergency egress lighting system (ADHEELS)
The budget request contained $21.1 million for SH 60 series
modifications but included no funds for the ADHEELS. The ADHEELS
provides crew escape lighting for H 60 series helicopters in the event
of water impact.
The committee understands that the Department of the Navy has
selected ADHEELS as its future helicopter escape lighting system due to
its superior performance, significantly increased operational
reliability, and lower life-cycle costs.
The committee strongly supports this choice and recommends $29.1
million, an increase of $8.0 million for accelerated ADHEELS procurement
and installation in both new production and existing H 60 series
helicopters.
AN/AVR 2A laser detecting set
The budget request contained $41.9 million for common electronic
countermeasures modifications, of which $13.5 million was included for
an AN/AAR 47 sensor upgrade.
The AN/AVR 2A laser detecting set alerts pilots to the presence of
impending laser beamriding missile attack in sufficient time to take
evasive action. The committee notes that the Department of the Navy
plans a laser warning capability upgrade to the AN/AAR 47 missile
approach warning system, which would eliminate the need for a
stand-alone AN/AVR 2A, but is concerned that the AN/AAR 47 upgrade might
not be as capable as the existing AN/AVR 2A.
Therefore, the committee expects that procurement and installation of
the AN/AAR 47 sensor upgrade should not occur until the Commander of
Navy Operational Test and Evaluation Forces ensures that adequate
testing is undertaken, including side-by-side, on-aircraft testing
comparing it with the AN/AVR 2A.
AV 8B
The budget request contained $226.6 million to procure 10
remanufactured AV 8B aircraft. The AV 8B remanufacture program combines
a new fuselage, a power plant, and radar with other mission systems
upgrades to produce a significantly more capable aircraft at 70 percent
of the cost of a new aircraft. The committee notes that the Department
of the Navy plans for fiscal year 2001 to be the last year for
procurement of remanufactured AV 8Bs.
The committee recognizes that the AV 8B performs the close air
support (CAS) mission, which is critical to the successful employment of
Marine forces. Additionally, the committee believes that the short
take-off, vertical land (STOVL), radar-equipped AV 8B will remain an
important component of CAS capability until its replacement by the
Marine Corps' joint strike fighter (JSF) STOVL variant, currently in the
demonstration and validation phase of its development.
Since the committee understands that the Marine Corps' JSF variant is
currently planned for its initial operational capability in fiscal year
2008, it expects the Secretary of the Navy to ensure that the Marine
Corps has procured sufficient STOVL, radar-equipped AV 8Bs prior to
discontinuing the AV 8B remanufacture program.
C 40A
The budget request contained no funds for procurement of C 40A aircraft.
The C 40A, a long-range commercial-derivative airlift aircraft used
to transport high priority passengers and cargo, will replace the Navy's
27-year-old C 9 fleet which is reaching the end of its service life.
The committee understands that the Navy's aging C 9 fleet is not
compliant with either future global navigation requirements or noise
abatement standards, that will restrict future flights into European
airfields. The committee also notes that the Chief of Naval Operations
has identified additional C 40A aircraft for the Naval Reserve among his
top unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $54.0 million
to procure an additional C 40A aircraft for the Naval Reserve.
CH 60S
The budget request contained $165.1 million for 15 CH 60S helicopters
and $80.4 million for advance procurement of 16 CH 60Ss in fiscal year
2002.
The CH 60S replaces the H 46D for the Navy's helicopter combat
support missions including vertical replenishment, cargo and personnel
transfer, and search and rescue.
The committee understands that the aging H 46D is increasingly
expensive to operate and that its replacement with a fleet of H 60
series helicopters will avoid an estimated $22.0 billion of support
costs over the next 20 years. The committee also notes that the Chief of
Naval Operations has identified additional CH 60S helicopters among his
top unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001.
The committee believes that the aging H 46D fleet should be retired
as soon as practical and, therefore, recommends $207.0 million, an
increase of $41.9 million for two additional CH 60S helicopters.
2 modifications
The budget request contained $18.5 million for E 2 modifications but
included no funds to upgrade ready-storage Group I-configured E 2C
aircraft to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration.
Group I-configured E 2C aircraft are no longer usable for the Navy's
fleet operations due to their outdated computer and communications
capabilities but could be modified to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration
which would upgrade this aircraft with satellite communications; a
commercial-off-the-shelf, high-capacity mission computer and associated
workstations; and the cooperative engagement capability. The committee
understands that this modification will provide the E 2C fleet with a
quantum leap in situational awareness and fleet-wide connectivity.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $57.5 million, an increase of
$39.0 million, to upgrade one ready-storage Group I E 2Cs to the Hawkeye
2000 configuration.
EA 6B modifications
The budget request contained $203.1 million for EA 6B modifications
but included no funds for the AN/ASW 41 automatic flight control system
(AFCS), which provides the EA 6B pilot with automatic speed, attitude
and altitude control capabilities. The budget request also contained no
funds for HAVE QUICK ARC 164 radios which employ a rapid
frequency-hopping technique to provide an anti-jam radio capability.
The committee understands that replacement of the current flight
control system with the AN/ASW 41 AFCS will significantly increase this
aircraft's mission capable rates through improved reliability and
reduced maintenance man-hours. The committee notes that the Chief of
Naval Operations has identified the AN/ASW 41 AFCS among his unfunded
requirements in fiscal year 2001 and, therefore, recommends an increase
of $21.0 million for this purpose.
The committee understands that only 41 of the Department of the
Navy's 123 EA 6Bs are equipped with either an ARC 164, ARC 182, or ARC
210 HAVE QUICK anti-jam radio and that during the recent Operation
Allied Force engagement many EA 6Bs were not capable of jam-free
ultra-high frequency (UHF) communications with other Allied aircraft in
composite-force strike packages. As a result of the EA 6B's HAVE QUICK
radio deficiency, the committee also understands that entire Operation
Allied Force strike packages were forced to use single UHF frequencies
which were vulnerable to communications jamming and could be easily
monitored by our adversaries with a potential to compromise operational
mission execution plans.
While the committee is aware of the Department's plans to equip the
EA 6B fleet with ARC-210 radios as part of the block 89A upgrade, it
believes that an interim anti-jam radio capability is critical for any
future EA 6B combat operations until the block 89A upgrade is complete
in fiscal year 2005. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase
of $2.0 million to equip 40 additional EA 6B aircraft with ARC 164
anti-jam radios.
In total, the committee recommends $226.1 million for EA 6B
modifications, an increase of $23.0 million.
18 series modifications
The budget request contained $212.6 million for F 18 series
modifications, of which $22.7 million was included for engineering
change proposal (ECP) 583 kits to modify six Marine Corps F/A 18A
aircraft, $3.0 million was included for installation of ECP 560
modification kits for seven Naval Reserve F/A 18A aircraft, $5.3 million
was included for two advanced targeting forward-looking infrared
(ATFLIR) pods for both Navy and Marine Corps F/A 18C/D aircraft, and
$23.8 million was included for the advanced tactical airborne
reconnaissance system (ATARS).
The ECP 583 modification kit upgrades the radar, avionics and weapons
delivery capability of the Marine Corps' F/A 18A model aircraft to the
same capability as later-model F/A 18Cs. Without this capability, the
F/A 18A cannot autonomously deliver precision-guided munitions (PGMs) or
employ the Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 120 Advanced Medium Range
Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The committee notes that the Navy's
long-range attack aircraft plans include the employment of the F/A 18A
until at least 2015. Despite the fact that the Marine Corps has a
requirement to upgrade 76 of its F/A 18As with this modification, the
Department of the Navy has thus far only planned to upgrade 34 aircraft.
However, the committee notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations
(CNO) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) have identified ECP
583 among their top unfunded aviation requirements in fiscal year 2001
and recommends an increase of $86.9 million to procure twenty additional
ECP 583 upgrade kits for the Marine Corps' F/A 18A aircraft fleet--10
for the active component and 10 for the Marine Corps Reserve.
The ECP 560 modification kit upgrades only the avionics and weapons
delivery capability of the Naval Reserve's F/A 18A aircraft to employ
PGMs and the AIM 120 AMRAAM, improving both the Naval Reserve's F/A 18A
capability and its commonality with the Navy's F/A 18C aircraft fleet.
The committee notes that only 13 of the Naval Reserve's 52 F/A 18As have
undergone ECP 560 modification upgrades, but understands that the Navy
plans to retain its Naval Reserve F/A 18As in the inventory until at
least 2012. The committee further notes that the CNO has identified the
ECP 560 among his unfunded requirements for the Naval Reserve in fiscal
year 2001 and recommends an increase of $31.0 million for this purpose.
The ATFLIR pod detects, classifies and tracks ground targets for
engagement with precision-guided munitions. The ATFLIR pod replaces the
existing tactical forward-looking infrared pod that, the committee
understands, has inadequate resolution, loses target track during high-G
maneuvering, and does not maintain automatic track at required ranges.
The committee notes that both the CNO and CMC have also included the
ATFLIR among their unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001 and
recommends an increase of $9.6 million for an additional three ATFLIR
pods for the Marine Corps Reserve F/A 18 aircraft.
The ATARS is an image acquisition, data storage, and data link sensor
suite planned for use on the Marine Corps' F/A 18D aircraft. The
committee notes that the recently completed ATARS operational evaluation
concluded that the system was not operationally suitable due to
reliability and availability problems with its ground station component.
As a result, the committee believes that the Department of the Navy's
$23.8 million ATARS procurement request exceeds requirements and,
consequently, recommends a decrease of that amount.
In total, the committee recommends $316.3 million, an increase of
$103.7 million, for F 18 series modifications.
F/A 18C/D tactical aircraft moving map capability (TAMMAC)
The budget request contained $71.6 million for common avionics
changes but included no funds for procurement of TAMMAC units for F/A
18C/D aircraft.
The TAMMAC, which replaces obsolete data storage and digital video
units, is a modular hardware and software system with significant
memory, information processing, and video output capabilities. It
provides aircrews with a graphic presentation of the aircraft's present
position as well as relative positions of targets, threats, terrain
features, no-fly zones, and safe bases. The committee understands that
the TAMMAC also includes a ground proximity warning system to improve
flight safety and will be less expensive to operate and support than the
existing units.
The committee notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has included
procurement of the TAMMAC for the F/A 18C/D aircraft among his unfunded
requirements in fiscal year 2001. Accordingly, the committee recommends
$80.9 million, an increase of $9.3 million to procure 80 TAMMAC units
for F/A 18C/D aircraft.
F/A 18E/F
The budget request contained $2,818.6 million for 42 F/A 18E/F
aircraft, and $101.1 million for advance procurement of 45 aircraft in
fiscal year 2002.
In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee
supported the Navy's requirement to replace its aging fighter/attack
aircraft fleet by authorizing a multiyear procurement of 222 aircraft.
However, the committee notes that the Department of the Navy now plans
to procure three less aircraft in fiscal year 2002 than projected in
fiscal year 2000, which results in 219 F/A 18E/F aircraft planned for
the multiyear procurement period between fiscal years 2000 through 2004.
Consistent with the planned program of the Department of the Navy for
fiscal year 2002, the committee recommends $2,612.8 million, a decrease
of $205.8 million and three aircraft. The committee understands that
this reduction will maintain the F/A 18E/F fiscal year 2001 procurement
quantity within a range that will not affect the multiyear procurement
contract.
HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program
The budget request contained no funds for the HH/UH 1N reclamation
and conversion program.
The HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program would restore old
HH/UH 1N helicopters, currently in long-term storage facilities, for
entry into a remanufacture production line that rebuilds the aircraft's
avionics, propulsion, and other systems.
The committee understands that current H 1 remanufacture plans would
remove UH 1N helicopters from the Marine Corps' operating fleet for
entry into the H 1 remanufacture production line, decreasing the number
of UH 1Ns in some of the Marine Corps' UH 1N helicopter squadrons below
their authorized strength. In order to avoid this situation, the
committee notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the
Commandant of the Marine Corps have identified the HH/UH 1N reclamation
and conversion program among their unfunded requirements in fiscal year
2001.
The committee believes that UH 1N fleet readiness will suffer if
operational aircraft are removed from the fleet to be upgraded.
Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $17.5 million for
the HH UH 1N reclamation and conversion program and believes that this
increase will provide for induction of fourteen helicopters into the
remanufacture production line.
H 46 modifications
The budget request contained $16.6 million for H 46 modifications but
included no funds for the CH 46E engine reliability improvement program
(ERIP) to rebuild the CH 46E's key engine components, providing improved
performance, safety, and reliability.
Subsequent to the submission of the budget request, the committee
learned that the mean time between engine removals (MTBR) of the CH
46E's engine has rapidly declined to 363 hours, and that the CH 46E's
engine performance has degraded 10 percent from original specifications.
To address this problem, the committee understands that an ERIP would
restore the engine's MTBR to the planned interval of 900 hours, greatly
reducing operation and support costs in the process.
The committee notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the
Commandant of the Marine Corps have identified the ERIP as an unfunded
requirement in fiscal year 2001. Since the CH 46E is scheduled to remain
in service until 2012, the committee recommends $21.6 million, an
increase of $5.0 million to begin an ERIP for the CH 46E engine and
encourages the Department of the Navy to budget to complete the ERIP
within the fiscal year 2002 future years defense program.
H 53 modifications
The budget request contained $19.9 million for H 53 helicopter
modifications but included no funds for AN/AAQ 29 forward looking
infrared (FLIR) system kits that would provide an improved capability
for the Marine Corps' CH 53E helicopters to operate at night and in poor
weather conditions.
The AN/AAQ 29 FLIR, which replaces the out-of-production AN/AAQ 16
FLIR, provides aircrews and embarked ground force commanders with
infrared video displays, flight information, and navigational data. The
committee understands that only 42 of the Marine Corps' 165 CH 53E
helicopters are equipped with a FLIR system and notes that both the
Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have
included 23 AN/AAQ 29 FLIR system kits among their unfunded requirements
in fiscal year 2001.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $34.9 million, an increase of
$15.0 million, for 23 AN/AAQ 29 FLIR system kits: $12.4 million for 19
system kits for active component CH 53Es, and $2.6 million for 4 system
kits for the Marine Corps Reserve CH 53Es.
KC 130J
The budget request contained $154.8 million for two KC 130J aircraft.
The KC 130J is a tactical airlift aircraft that also serves as a
tanker for both helicopters and tactical fighters. The KC 130J replaces
existing KC 130F, R, and T
models, providing increased speed and range, a higher cruise
ceiling, and a shorter take-off distance compared to the older models.
The Marine Corps currently has an inventory of 35 KC 130Fs, 14 KC
130Rs, and 28 KC 130Ts. The KC 130F, which was procured between 1960 and
1962, is the oldest aircraft in the inventory and is approaching the end
of its service life. The committee understands that a recent service
life assessment of the KC 130F fleet revealed that unless procurement of
KC 130Js is accelerated or a comprehensive and costly service life
extension program is undertaken, an inventory shortfall of 15 aircraft
may occur as early as 2001.
In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee
recommended an increase of four KC 130Js and notes that the Commandant
of the Marine Corps has identified additional KC 130J aircraft among his
highest unfunded aviation procurement requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, consistent with its prior actions, the committee
recommends $231.1 million, an increase of $76.3 million for one
additional KC 130J aircraft.
T 45 training system (TS)
The budget request contained $268.6 million to procure 12 T 45C
aircraft and associated ground-based training equipment and $5.1 million
for advance procurement of 4 T 45C aircraft in fiscal year 2002. The T
45TS is an integrated training system that combines the T 45 aircraft,
simulators, and computer-based training for the Navy's
intermediate-level undergraduate pilot training.
The committee notes that the T 45 aircraft procurement objective has
decreased from 234 in the Department of the Navy's budget request for
fiscal year 2000 to 169 in its request for fiscal year 2001. The
committee further notes that the Navy plans to close its T 45 production
line in fiscal year 2002 although the requirement for the T 45 remains
at 234. Since the Navy has experienced a recent shortage of pilots and
the Chief of Naval Operations has identified additional T 45 aircraft
among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001, the committee is
puzzled by both the decrease in its T 45 procurement objective and its
proposed shutdown of the T 45 production line in fiscal year 2002.
Consequently, the committee recommends $301.4 million, an increase of
$32.8 million for two additional aircraft. Further, the committee
encourages the Department of the Navy to restore funding in its future
years defense program to continue T 45 production.
Tactical air reconnaissance pod system (TARPS)-completely digital (CD)
The budget request contained $37.1 million for other production
charges but included no funds for the TARPS CD system, an electro-optic
sensor upgrade designed to validate clear-weather digital imaging
technologies and to mitigate development risks for the shared
reconnaissance pod (SHARP) system.
The committee notes the recent, successful at-sea deployment of the
TARPS CD system and believes that the progress of the Navy's digital
imaging technology risk-mitigation efforts thus far provides sufficient
confidence to build on these efforts through the integration of a
non-developmental, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) synthetic aperture
radar (SAR) sensor which will provide day/night imagery in all-weather
conditions. Since the committee understands that an all-weather
reconnaissance capability is a requirement for the SHARP system, it
fully supports further risk-mitigation activities integrating a SAR
sensor on the TARPS CD system.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $44.1 million, an increase of
$7.0 million, to integrate a COTS SAR sensor into the TARPS CD.
UC 35
The budget request contained no funds for procurement of UC 35
aircraft for the Army, Navy or the Marine Corps.
The UC 35 is a medium-range, medium-lift operational support
aircraft. The committee understands that the Army, Navy, and the Marine
Corps conduct the operational support airlift mission with the
short-range C 12 aircraft, which is increasingly expensive to operate,
and does not meet payload, range, or avionics requirements. The
committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff, the Chief of Naval
Operations, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have each identified
the procurement of UC 35s among their unfunded requirements in fiscal
year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $22.8 million
for three UC 35 aircraft: $7.6 million for one Army aircraft and $15.2
million for one aircraft each for the Navy and Marine Corps.
WEAPONS PROCUREMENT, NAVY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,434.3 million for Weapons
Procurement, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $1,562.3 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Hellfire II missile
The budget request contained no funds for Hellfire II missiles.
The Hellfire II missile is a laser-guided, anti-armor and anti-ship
weapon used by the Marine Corps on the AH 1W helicopter and by the Navy
on the SH 60B helicopter. The committee notes that, despite increased
funding provided by Congress in fiscal years 1998 and 2000, the
Department of the Navy has not met its inventory requirement for these
missiles. The committee further notes that, as a result of this
situation, the Chief of Naval Operations has identified procurement of
Hellfire II missiles among his top unfunded readiness requirements in
fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, consistent with its prior actions, the committee
recommends an increase of $55.0 million to procure additional Hellfire
II missiles.
Improved tactical air-launched decoy (ITALD)
The budget request contained $58.9 million for aerial targets but
included no funds for the ITALD.
The ITALD, launched from Navy strike aircraft, is used to deceive and
saturate hostile air defense systems, thereby enhancing strike aircraft
survivability. The committee understands that only 260 ITALDs have been
funded to date against a Navy requirement for 1500 to 1750 systems.
Because the committee believes that the use of tactical decoys
significantly improves both aircrew survival and mission success, the
committee recommends $68.9 million, an increase of $10.0 million, to
procure additional ITALDs.
Joint standoff weapon (JSOW)
The budget request contained $171.6 million for the JSOW, a standoff
air-to-ground glide weapon that uses global positioning system
satellites and an inertial navigation system for precision guidance.
The committee understands that the JSOW has performed flawlessly in
over 60 combat deliveries and notes that the Chief of Naval Operations
has identified the procurement of additional JSOWs among his top two
unfunded weapons requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends $206.6 million, an increase of
$35.0 million, to accelerate procurement of additional JSOWs.
Standoff land attack missile-expanded response (SLAM ER)
The budget request contained $27.9 million to convert 30 standoff
land attack missiles (SLAMs) to the SLAM ER configuration. The SLAM ER
is a long-range, air-to-ground, precision-guided missile that improves
the SLAM's range, accuracy and lethality.
The committee notes that the SLAM ER has recently completed its
operational test and evaluation with both operationally effective and
suitable ratings. The committee also notes that the Chief of Naval
Operations has included the conversion of 60 SLAMs to the SLAM ER
configuration among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 in
order to reduce the risk of future missile shortages for a major theater
war or contingency operation.
Therefore, the committee recommends $57.9 million, an increase of
$30.0 million, for the conversion of an additional 60 SLAMs to the SLAM
ER configuration.
AMMUNITION PROCUREMENT, NAVY/MARINE CORPS
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $429.6 million for Ammunition
Procurement, Navy/Marine Corps for fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends authorization of $481.3 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Navy ammunition procurement
The budget request contained $295.9 million for procurement of
ammunition. The committee recommends $317.4 million, an increase of
$21.5 million for the following types of ammunition, which are among the
top unfunded requirements identified by the Chief of Naval Operations in
fiscal year 2001:
[Dollars in millions]
GBU 10/12/16 laser guided bombs/kits
$15.0
MJU 52/B IR expendables
6.5
Marine corps ammunition procurement
The budget request contained $133.7 million for procurement of
ammunition. The committee recommends $163.9 million, an increase of
$30.2 million for the following types of ammunition, which are among the
top unfunded requirements identified by the Commandant of the Marine
Corps in fiscal year 2001:
[Dollars in millions]
5.56mm, all types
$3.0
7.62mm, all types
1.0
APOBS
2.0
.50 caliber
1.0
Rocket, 83mm HEDP
10.7
Rocket, 83mm HE Common Practice
4.6
155mm Projectile Extended Range M795
7.9
SHIPBUILDING AND CONVERSION, NAVY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $12,296.9 million for Shipbuilding and
Conversion, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $11,982.0 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
LHD 8 amphibious assault ship
The budget request contained no funds for procurement of a WASP-class
(LHD) amphibious assault ship.
The committee understands that the Navy intends to procure the LHD 8
amphibious assault ship in fiscal year 2005 due to funding constraints,
but notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of
the Marine Corps have identified the LHD 8 as an unfunded requirement in
fiscal year 2001. The committee further notes that procurement of the
LHD 8 before fiscal year 2005 could result in significant savings and
result in more stable funding for the Navy's shipbuilding plan.
Therefore, the committee recommends an additional $10.0 million for
advance procurement and long lead materials for the construction of LHD
8.
Auxiliary dry cargo ship
The budget request contained $339.0 million for the procurement of an
auxiliary dry cargo ship (ADC(X)).
The committee is satisfied that the Navy has programmed sufficient
resources to provide for engineering and other one-time costs of the
lead shipyard in the ADC(X) program. However, since the program calls
for the ADC(X) class ships to be built by two shipyards, the committee
is concerned that the Navy has not also provided sufficient resources to
fund engineering and other non-recurring activities unique to the second
shipyard. The committee understands that if these activities are not
adequately funded, the award of the prime contract for the ADC(X) may be
delayed.
The committee is concerned that procurement of ADC(X) ships in the
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN) account does not adequately
reflect the unique logistics and sealift mission of these vessels. The
committee understands that the ADC(X) will be used to move cargo and
other supplies to forward-deployed fleet units and believes that a
vessel performing this mission would be more appropriately funded in the
National Defense Sealift Fund (NDSF). The committee has therefore
transferred the funds requested for the ADC(X) in the SCN account to the
NDSF and directs the Secretary of the Navy to fund ADC(X) procurement in
the NDSF in future budget requests.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $339.0 million
to the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy request and an increase of
$349.0 million to the National Defense Sealift Fund, including $339.0
million to procure an ADC(X) and $10.0 million to fund engineering and
other non-recurring activities necessary to support construction of this
ship class at two shipyards.
Submarine force level
The 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) established a force of 50
nuclear powered attack submarines (SSNs) as adequate to support the
national military strategy and subsequent budget requests have supported
this force level. However, the 1999 Attack Submarine Study conducted by
the Joint Chiefs of Staff found that the QDR force level is insufficient
to meet near- and long-term operational requirements. Due to the low
rate of attack submarine procurement during the 1990s any force
structure increase above the QFR level over the long-term would require
a sustained increase in VIRGINIA class SSN procurement.
Although sustained procurement of sufficient numbers of new
submarines is the only long-term solution to the SSN force structure
shortfall, the committee is aware of near-term cost-effective
opportunities to increase the number of submarines in the fleet. The
committee understands that the budget request contains sufficient funds
through fiscal year 2005 to refuel four LOS ANGELES class SSNs that
would otherwise be retired well before the end of their useful service
lives and strongly supports this effort as well as a longer-term
opportunity to refuel, in lieu of retirement, an additional three LOS
ANGELES class SSNs.
The committee is also aware of the opportunity to refuel and convert
four OHIO class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to
nuclear powered cruise missile submarines (SSGNs) in lieu of retirement.
Although its final configuration would be dictated by arms control
considerations, the SSGN would provide a stealthy conventional strike
platform to support theater Commanders-in-Chief (CINC) requirements for
precision cruise missiles.
The committee supports the use of all reasonable means to increase
the submarine force level through increased procurement of new
submarines as well as refueling and conversion, in lieu of early
retirement, of existing submarines. The committee believes that this
combination of efforts would provide the most cost-effective way of
maintaining an adequate submarine force that is capable of meeting
current and future challenges to U.S. national security interests.
Submarine refueling overhauls
The budget request contained $72.3 million for advance procurement
for submarine refueling overhauls but included no funds for advance
procurement for refueling overhauls associated with the conversion of
ballistic missile submarines to cruise missile submarines.
The committee is aware of the Navy's proposal to convert four OHIO
class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to nuclear
powered cruise missile submarines (SSGNs) as a means of providing
theater Commanders-in-Chief (CINCs) with increased numbers of cruise
missiles for conventional precision strike missions. The committee notes
that a requirement of any conversion program would be the refueling of
the nuclear reactors of the candidate SSBNs. The committee understands
that the Navy has no experience with refueling OHIO class SSBNs and that
the submarines converted to SSGNs would also be the first of the class
to require refueling.
Therefore, in order to reduce risk in any potential SSGN conversion
program, the committee recommends $86.3 million for submarine refueling
overhauls, an increase of $14.0 million, for advance planning and
procurement for OHIO class submarine refueling overhauls.
OTHER PROCUREMENT, NAVY
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $3,334.6 million for Other Procurement,
Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of
$3,432.0 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
AN/SPS 73 (V) surface search radar
The budget request contained $4.9 million for items less than $5.0
million but contained no funds for the AN/SPS 73 (V) surface search
radar.
The Navy currently operates several different surface search radars
on its ships but has begun the replacement of these various systems with
the AN/SPS 73 (V) radar. The AN/SPS 73 (V) is a commercial-off-the-shelf
system that has improved performance over current radars and reduced
support costs through standardized logistics and maintenance
requirements. The committee continues to support the accelerated
standardization of surface search radars and recommends an increase of
$14.0 million for the procurement of additional AN/SPS 73 (V) radars for
this purpose.
Aviation life support
The budget request contained $20.4 million for aviation life support
equipment for Navy and Marine Corps aircrews.
The Marine Corps currently uses a mix of aircrew night vision systems
procured during the 1980s and 1990s, some of which are incompatible with
the latest glass cockpit displays in new fleet aircraft. The Marine
Corps is moving toward a standardized configuration for aircrew night
vision equipment, but currently has an inadequate supply of modern
systems. The committee notes that this shortfall was identified by both
the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps as
an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001.
The committee notes that Congress has previously added funds to this
program to facilitate the upgrading of fixed and rotary wing aircrews
with state-of-the-art night vision systems. The committee supports the
continuation of this effort and recommends an increase of $9.9 million
to procure additional AN/AVS 9 night vision goggles for Marine Corps
aircrews.
Education support equipment
The budget request contained $2.1 million for the virtual recruiting
program, which utilizes computer-based recruiting kiosks.
The committee understands that the Navy is facing serious challenges
in meeting recruiting goals and has established a pilot program to use
computer-based kiosks to provide potential recruits with access to
information about the Navy in an interactive format. The committee
further understands that the preliminary results of the pilot project
have been very successful but that the budget request fails to fully
fund this promising program.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $4.1 million for education
support equipment, an increase of $2.0 million, to procure an additional
150 armed forces recruiting kiosks in order to fully fund the virtual
recruiting program.
High-pressure cleaner
The budget request contained $58.9 million for ship support equipment
items less than $5.0 million but included no funds for high-pressure
non-hazardous dry steam solvent-based cleaners.
The committee is aware that the Navy and the Marine Corps are each
using high-pressure dry steam solvent-based cleaners facilities to clean
turbine engine parts, avionics, printed circuit boards, and a wide
variety of other military equipment in an environmentally responsible
manner. The committee also understands that the Navy has estimated
substantial maintenance cost savings associated with the use of these
cleaners and recognizes the value of their widespread use.
The committee agrees with the Navy's findings and, therefore,
recommends $60.9 million for ship support equipment items less than $5.0
million, an increase of $2.0 million, for the procurement of
high-pressure dry steam solvent-based cleaners.
Joint tactical terminal
The budget request contained $32,000 for the Joint Tactical Terminal
(JTT).
The committee is fully supportive of the Navy's efforts to field the
JTT but is aware that the Navy has a shortfall in purchasing the
required number of terminals.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $6.0 million, and increase of
$6.0 million, to correct this deficiency.
Mobile remote emitter simulator (MRES)
The budget request contained $15.1 million for weapons range support
but included no funds to procure MRES systems.
The MRES is a high power electronic warfare threat simulator that is
capable of illuminating aircraft, ships and other signal collection
platforms.
The committee notes that Congress provided additional funding to
procure an MRES system each year since fiscal year 1998 in order to
upgrade the Navy's electronic warfare testing and training facilities.
The committee supports the continuation of this modernization effort and
recommends an increase of $7.5 million for the procurement and
installation of one MRES system.
Nuclear attack submarine (SSN) acoustics
The budget request contained $106.6 million for SSN acoustics but
included no funds for the refurbishment and upgrade of TB 23 submarine
towed arrays.
The committee understands that the Navy intends to upgrade all
submarine towed acoustic arrays with the TB 29A array beginning in 2002
but at a rate that will require the TB 23 array to remain in service for
at least the next decade. The committee further understands that the TB
23 array must be refurbished and upgraded periodically to maintain the
reliability and effectiveness of this critical acoustic sensor.
Therefore, in order to ensure that the submarine force retains modern
and reliable acoustic sensors until completely outfitted with the TB 29A
array, the committee recommends $114.6 million for SSN acoustics, an
increase of $8.0 million, to sustain the TB 23 array refurbishment and
upgrade program.
Operating forces industrial plant equipment
The budget request contained $2.7 million for operating forces
industrial plant equipment but included no funds for expeditionary
maintenance facilities (EMF).
The committee is aware that the Navy is decommissioning its repair
tenders, thereby limiting its ability to rapidly deploy a ship and
equipment repair capability to support forward deployed forces. However,
the committee is also aware that EMF, surface and air transportable,
self-contained repair and maintenance facilities that can be operational
within 72 hours of deployment, can meet the Navy's needs for a rapidly
deployable repair and maintenance capability.
The committee fully supports the EMF concept and, therefore,
recommends $7.7 million for industrial plant equipment, an increase of
$5.0 million, to procure seven of the facilities.
Other training equipment
The budget request included $21.4 million for other training
equipment, of which $16.4 million for the procurement of equipment to
support the Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) program.
The BFTT system allows surface combatants and aircraft carriers to
conduct realistic coordinated training scenarios using ownship equipment
instead of shore-based training simulators. In fiscal year 2000,
Congress provided funds for upgrades to the BFTT system in order to
provide an Air Traffic Control (ATC) training capability for aircraft
carrier crews. In order to complete this upgrade, the committee
recommends an increase of $4.0 million.
Sonobuoys
The budget request contained $49.5 million for the procurement of
sonobuoys, including AN/SSQ 36, AN/SSQ 53E, AN/SSQ 57, AN/SSQ 62E,
AN/SSQ 77, AN/SSQ 101, and Signal Underwater Sound (SUS) buoys.
The committee notes that the Navy's peacetime annual requirement for
sonobuoys is approximately 100,000 units of all types, but the budget
request would fund about 63,000. The Navy's low sonobuoy procurement
rate continues to fall far short of annual peacetime anti-submarine
warfare (ASW) training requirements.
The committee is concerned that the supply of sonobuoys could be
quickly exhausted in the event of a major theater contingency involving
airborne ASW operations. Accordingly, the committee recommends an
increase of $18.0 million to address the sonobuoy shortfall, distributed
as follows: $3.0 million for AN/SSQ 53E, $5.0 million for AN/SSQ 62E,
and $10.0 million for AN/SSQ 77.
Undersea warfare support equipment
The budget request contained $847,000 for undersea warfare support
equipment but included no funds for surface sonar windows and domes.
The committee understands that the Navy has developed a new material
and production process for surface ship sonar dome windows because
reliable sources for the material previously used are no longer
available. The committee also understands that it is critical that the
Navy validate the new sonar dome material fabrication process to support
orders for spare sonar dome windows.
Therefore the committee recommends $5.8 million for undersea warfare
support equipment, an increase of $5.0 million, to complete development
of production tooling and fabrication of the first production sonar dome
with the new material system.
WSN 7B ring laser gyro (RLG)
The budget request contained $33.4 million for other navigation
equipment, including $7.4 million for the procurement of 11 WSN 7 RLGs.
The WSN 7 RLG is the common RLG ship navigation system for surface
ships and submarines.
The committee has recommended a total increase of $52.0 million for
the procurement and installation of WSN 7 RLGs over the four preceding
fiscal years. Consistent with its actions in prior fiscal years, the
committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million for the procurement
and installation of additional WSN 7B RLGs, associated system field
change kits, and simulators. This increase will allow the Navy to
accelerate significantly the replacement of maintenance-intensive WSN 2
conventional gyro navigation systems in surface ships with the WSN 7B
RLG.
PROCUREMENT, MARINE CORPS
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $1,171.9 million for Procurement, Marine
Corps for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of
$1,254.7 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Command post systems
The budget request contained $9.5 million to procure equipment for
command post systems but included no funds for additional common end
user computer equipment for the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES).
The MARFORRES is currently implementing state-of-the-art information
system networks to enable greater management of and communications with
remote units. These information systems have enabled the migration from
paper and manual-based business processes to the network-based flow of
information in support of growing personnel management requirements for
pay, medical entitlements, retention and separation. The committee
understands that additional computer hardware and software, high speed
printers, scanners, and multi-functional phones are required to expand
the employment of these networks and notes that the Commandant of the
Marine Corps has identified a $2.0 million unfunded requirement for this
equipment in fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends $11.5 million, and increase of
$2.0 million, for additional common end user computer equipment for the
MARFORRES.
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)
The budget request contained $124.4 million for HMMWVA2s, which
incorporate upgraded electrical, braking, engine, and transmission
improvements as well as a 15-year corrosion prevention program.
The HMMWV is a multi-service, four-wheel drive utility and logistics
vehicle. The Marine Corps fleet is used for personnel and weapons
transport, medical evacuation, and as an air defense weapon-mount
platform.
The committee understands that a 1997 corrosion study concluded that
of the more than 17,800 HMMWVs procured by the Marine Corps from 1985 to
1995, 27 percent of the fleet was unserviceable due to severely corroded
frames that no longer complied with manufacturer specifications. The
committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified
the accelerated procurement of additional HMMWVA2s to replace these
unserviceable vehicles as his number one ground unfunded requirement in
fiscal year 2001.
The committee strongly supports this effort and, therefore,
recommends $147.4 million, an increase of $23.0 million, for additional
HMMWVA2s.
Improved recovery vehicle (IRV)
The budget request contained $42.6 million to procure IRVs.
The 56-ton M88A1 is capable of towing only vehicles weighing less
than 60 tons. Consequently, two M88A1s are required to safely tow an
Abrams tank if it is rendered immobile due to combat damage or
mechanical failure. The M88A2 IRV upgrade includes increased engine
horsepower, as well as braking, steering, winch, lift, and suspension
capabilities required to safely recover Abrams tanks and other heavy
combat systems.
The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has
identified a $14.5 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for
5 additional IRVs, which would accelerate the buyout of the program by
one year. Accordingly, the committee recommends $57.1 million, an
increase of $14.5 million, for 5 additional M88A2 IRV upgrades to
support future expeditionary operations.
Material handling equipment
The budget request contained $36.3 million for the procurement of
various types of material handling equipment but included no funds for
the remanufacture or product improvement of D 7G bulldozers and
scrapers.
The D 7G bulldozer/scraper fleet is used throughout Marine Corps
combat engineer and support units for airfield construction, as well as
for combat clearing and debris excavation.
The committee notes that the service's bulldozer and scraper fleet is
over 15 years old and rapidly deteriorating. The committee also notes
that the D 7G remanufacturing/product improve program will extend the
life of these bulldozers and scrapers for an additional 10 years.
Consistent with its actions in prior years, the committee recommends
$48.4 million, an increase of $7.0 million, to remanufacture/product
improve 62 D 7G bulldozers and $5.1 million to remanufacture/product
improve 45 scrapers.
Modification kits (intelligence)
The budget request contained $5.0 million for modifications to
various tactical intelligence systems, but no funds were included to
procure Joint Surveillance Target and Attack Radar System (Joint STARS)
Common Ground Stations (CGS) or Joint Service Workstations (JSWS).
The Joint STARS CGS will provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force
(MAGTF) commander with near-real-time battle space surveillance and
command and control capability by integrating into a single station the
processing of signals, imagery, and other intelligence received through
a data link from the Air Force's E 8 Joint STARS aircraft radar. The
system detects, locates, tracks, and classifies both moving and
stationary targets beyond the forward line of troops. The JSWS, a
principal component of the Joint STARS CGS, was developed for fixed-site
locations that do not require all of the communications assets and
deployability provided by a CGS. The committee notes the Commandant of
the Marine Corps has identified an $8.5 million unfunded requirement in
fiscal year 2001 to procure 1 CGS and 3 JSWS, which would accelerate the
approved acquisition objective by one year to fiscal year 2001.
The committee is aware of the proven success of the CGS and
understands the additional CGS and three JSWSs will provide the
necessary assets for MAGTFs throughout the Fleet Marine Force, while
greatly enhancing the MAGTF commanders' situational awareness.
Therefore, the committee recommends $13.5 million, an increase of $8.5
million, for 1 Joint STARS CGS and 3 JSWSs.
Radio systems
The budget request contained $3.1 million for procurement of radio
systems but no funds were included to procure Tactical Hand Held Radios
(THHR).
The THHR is a military-ready, multi-band, secure voice and data radio
that will provide Marine reconnaissance teams, and squad-/ platoon-size
units with a lightweight, standardized, maintainable communications
capability that is interoperable with numerous Department of Defense
legacy communications radios.
The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has
identified THHRs as an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001, which
would meet the entire acquisition objective for replacing existing
obsolete radios. Because the committee believes that the services must
have interoperable communications in support of the growing number of
joint operation deployments and supports the need for greater
communications capability within small units, the committee recommends
$15.1 million for radio systems, an increase $12.0 million to procure
THHRs.
Small unit riverine craft (SURC)
The budget request contained no funds to procure a SURC.
The committee understands that there is a requirement for a SURC to
support Marine Corps operations for a fast, shallow draft, high capacity
craft that is C 130 deployable and that such a craft would provide
Marine units with the capability to insert combat troops into a
riverside environment.
The committee is supportive of this requirement and, therefore,
recommends an increase of $2.0 million to procure a SURC for the Marine
Corps.
Training devices
The budget request contained $30.8 million to procure of numerous
training and simulation systems, but no funds were included for upgrades
to fielded indoor simulated marksmanship trainers (ISMT).
The ISMT-enhanced (E) will be a deployable, interactive,
three-dimensional simulation-based indoor training system for individual
and small tactical unit marksmanship training. System enhancements will
allow Marines to receive marksmanship training on all infantry weapons
and replicate known-distance range qualification courses, offensive and
defensive combat situations, and shoot-no-shoot decision-making
exercises, all of which would normally be performed on an outdoor range
using live ammunition. The committee notes that 97 of the Marine Corps'
603 ISMTs will receive the enhanced upgrade in fiscal year 2000 and that
the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified an $8.7 million
unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to upgrade the remaining 506
ISMTs.
The committee believes that it is critical for Marines to maintain
high marksmanship standards and that the ISMT E will provide the
training designed to compliment live-fire requirements. Therefore, the
committee recommends $39.5 million, an increase of $8.7 million, to
complete ISMT E upgrades.
AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $9,539.6 million for Aircraft
Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $10,267.2 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
A 10 modifications
The budget request contained $33.9 million for A 10 aircraft
modifications but included no funds for the integrated flight and fire
control computer (IFFCC) or for the situation awareness data link (SADL)
for the Air National Guard's (ANG) A 10 fleet.
The IFFCC is a replacement for the A 10's existing weapons delivery
computer, which has no additional processing power for future growth.
The committee understands that the Air Force plans to conduct a
multi-stage improvement program for the A 10 that will significantly
enhance its communications, threat warning and precision-guided
munitions capabilities but will be unable to proceed with this program
without the IFFCC. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff
has identified the IFFCC among his top 20 unfunded requirements in
fiscal year 2001 in recognition of its importance to future A 10
modernization and recommends an increase of $6.8 million for this
purpose.
The SADL provides the ANG A 10 fleet with an all-weather, secure,
jam-resistant, low-cost data link using commercial-off-the-shelf
enhanced position location reporting system radios. The committee
understands that the A 10 SADL would prevent battlefield fratricide,
integrate with the Army and Marine Corps digitized battlefield, and has
growth capability for future data link upgrades. The committee notes
that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified the A 10 SADL
among his unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001 and recommends an
increase of $8.6 million for this cost effective modification.
In total, the committee recommends $49.3 million, an increase of
$15.4 million, for A 10 aircraft modifications.
Aircraft navigational and passenger safety equipment
The budget request contained various amounts in several aircraft
modification budget lines for the procurement and installation of
aircraft navigational and passenger safety equipment.
The committee has recommended increases for passenger and
navigational safety for several years, supporting the Secretary of
Defense's directive to improve aircraft flight and passenger safety
subsequent to the crash of a cabinet secretary's CT 43 aircraft in 1996.
These increases have funded both terrain avoidance warning systems
(TAWS), which project an aircraft's position relative to the ground and
improves pilot situational awareness by warning of potential ground
impact, and traffic collision and avoidance systems (TCAS), which
provide predictive collision avoidance information regarding an
aircraft's position relative to another aircraft. The committee notes
that other safety upgrades are also planned in the future years defense
program (FYDP) such as cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders,
and predictive windshear radars.
While the Department of Defense continues to fund these upgrades in
both the fiscal year 2001 budget and the FYDP, the committee believes
that such navigational and passenger safety improvements should be
expedited. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million to accelerate upgrades of the TAWS, TCAS, cockpit voice
recorders, flight data recorders, and predictive windshear radars on
passenger-carrying aircraft. Additionally, the committee expects the
secretaries of the military departments to report to the congressional
defense committees by February 1, 2001, on the passenger and navigation
safety upgrade status and plans for each of its passenger-carrying
aircraft. This report should identify which aircraft need to be equipped
with TAWS, TCAS, cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, and
predictive wind shear radars.
C 130 modifications
The budget request contained $91.5 million for C 130 modifications
but included no funds for the carry-on situation awareness data link
(SADL) or the AN/APN 242 for the Air National Guard's (ANG) C 130 fleet.
The carry-on SADL provides the ANG's C 130 aircraft fleet with an
all-weather, secure, jam-resistant, and low-cost data link using
commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting system
radios. The committee understands that, without the carry-on SADL, the
ANG's C 130 transport and rescue aircraft will be incompatible with the
Air Force's Air Expeditionary Force packages, and notes that the Chief
of the ANG has identified the C 130 carry-on SADL among his unfunded
requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends
an increase of $6.0 million to procure carry-on SADLs for the ANG's C ,
EC , HC , and MC 130 aircraft fleets.
The AN/APN 242 is a weather and navigation radar that replaces the
1950's-era AN/APN 59 radar currently installed on the ANG's C 130
aircraft fleet. The committee understands that the AN/APN 59, in
addition to being obsolete, has a mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) rate
of 40 to 100 hours and is costly to maintain. The committee also
understands that the AN/APN 242 radar has significantly improved
performance capabilities, a projected MTBF rate of 1800 hours, and that
maintenance cost savings associated with the AN/APN 59's replacement
will pay for the AN/APN 242's acquisition within five years. To improve
C 130 mission capability and reduce maintenance costs, the committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million for AN/APN 242 radars for the
ANG's C 130 fleet.
In total, the committee recommends $107.5 million, an increase of
$16.0 million, for C 130 modifications.
Compass call block 30/35 mission crew simulator (MCS)
The budget request contained $1.4 million for C 130 post-production
support, but included no funds for a Compass Call block 30/35 MCS. The
EC 130H Compass Call is used to disrupt enemy command and control
communications, and the block 30/35 MCS would provide aircrew training
for the current block 30 and planned block 35 aircraft configurations.
The committee understands that the current EC 130H mission simulator
is an obsolete, block 20 configuration which limits training
effectiveness for block 30- and 35-configured Compass Call aircraft due
to its inability to generate sensitive mission scenarios typical of
actual flying missions. The committee notes that training in actual
block 30-configured EC 130H aircraft is expensive and for this reason
the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified the Compass Call block 30/35
MCS among his top unfunded readiness requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Because the committee believes that a state-of-the-art simulator is
required for this high-demand, low-density aircraft, it recommends $25.1
million, an increase of $23.7 million, to procure a Compass Call block
30/35 MCS.
C 135 modifications
The budget request contained $328.2 million for C 135 modifications
but included no funds for reengining KC 135E aerial refueling aircraft
or for the KC 135 carry-on situation awareness data link (SADL) for the
Air National Guard (ANG).
The committee remains a strong supporter of the KC 135 reengining
program and understands that reengined KC 135s are capable of shorter
take-offs, operating with higher gross weights, meeting or exceeding all
noise and pollution standards, and offloading more fuel. The committee
notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified reengining
of the KC 135E among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The
committee recommends an increase of $52.0 million for two KC 135E
reengining kits.
The KC 135 carry-on SADL provides the ANG's KC 135 tanker aircraft
fleet with an all-weather, secure, jam-resistant, and low-cost data link
using commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting
system radios. The committee understands that without the KC 135
carry-on SADL, ANG tanker aircraft will be incompatible with the Air
Force's Air Expeditionary Force packages. The committee notes that the
Chief of the Air National Guard has identified the KC 135 carry-on SADL
among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends an increase of $6.0 million to procure additional SADLs for
the ANG's tanker fleet.
In total, the committee recommends $386.2 million, an increase of
$58.0 million, for C 135 modifications.
C 17
The budget request contained $2,211.9 million to procure 12 C 17
aircraft and $266.8 million for advance procurement of 15 aircraft in
fiscal year 2002 but included no funds for an additional weapon system
trainer (WST) at the C 17 training base or for a maintenance training
system (MTS) for the Air National Guard (ANG).
The committee understands that the C 17 training base currently has
three WSTs, but it needs a fourth system to accommodate the increased
pilot production anticipated in fiscal year 2004 when additional
aircraft and pilots are projected to arrive. The committee notes that
the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified an additional C 17 WST among
his top unfunded readiness requirements in fiscal year 2001. In order to
ensure that the C 17 training base will have sufficient capacity to meet
required pilot production levels, the committee recommends an increase
of $14.9 million for procurement of an additional WST.
The C 17 MTS is designed to qualify personnel to maintain the C 17
aircraft. In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee
recommended an increase of
$3.5 million for advance procurement of long-lead items for
the MTS. The committee understands that the ANG unit that will receive C
17 aircraft in fiscal year 2003 requires an MTS for initial
qualification of its maintenance personnel prior to the arrival of the
aircraft but notes that the Department of the Air Force has still not
budgeted for this system. Therefore, consistent with its prior actions
and to deliver a maintenance training capability on schedule, the
committee recommends an increase of $11.0 million for the MTS.
In total, the committee recommends $2,237.8 million for the C 17, an
increase of $25.9 million.
C 17 reverse-affiliate units
The committee notes that the Air Force is retiring its aging C 141
aircraft fleet and replacing it with the C 17, which was recently combat
proven in Operation Allied Force, to meet the Department of Defense's
airlift mobility requirements. The committee also notes the Air Force's
increasing reliance on, and importance of, Air Force Reserve Command
(AFRC) units to accomplish the airlift mission and that several reserve
units are scheduled to begin retiring their C 141 aircraft in fiscal
year 2003 without a designated follow-on mission identified. In light of
the current AFRC pilot and technician recruiting and retention
shortfalls, the committee is concerned that the Secretary of the Air
Force has yet to make a time-sensitive determination of a follow-on
mission for those AFRC units with retiring C 141 aircraft.
Accordingly, the committee urges the Secretary of the Air Force to
designate a mission for the AFRC units affected by the retirement of the
C 141, especially those units with a joint-service requirement, and
requests the Secretary to strongly consider the designation of a
reverse-affiliate C 17 unit at bases where one of these units is
located. A C 17 reverse-affiliate unit would permit the AFRC to continue
to utilize existing aircrew and maintenance personnel expertise in its
operations and maintenance responsibilities for AFRC-assigned C 17
aircraft, while also providing mission-ready aircraft that could be
flown by active duty Air Force aircrews.
Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 56
The budget request contained $165.5 million for various RC 135 and U
2 aircraft modifications but included no funds for RC 135 training
aircraft, an updated C 135 operational flight trainer (OFT II), RC 135
global air traffic management (GATM) upgrades, or the theater airborne
warning system (TAWS) for the RC 135 Rivet Joint (RJ).
The committee notes that the theater and functional
commanders-in-chief (CINCs) have repeatedly testified that their
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements,
particularly those supported by ISR aircraft such as the RC 135 and U 2,
are not currently satisfied due to the limited number of these
platforms. The committee understands that the Air Force does not have a
dedicated RC 135 aircrew training aircraft and that this deficiency
contributes to the limited number of aircraft available to meet CINC
requirements. To increase the availability of RC 135 mission aircraft to
the CINCs, the committee recommends an increase of $44.0 million to
modify two C 135 aircraft into an RC 135 training aircraft
configuration.
The C 135 operational flight trainer (OFT I) is the aircraft
simulation training device for the RC , OC , WC , and TC 135 pilots. The
committee understands that OFT I is obsolete due to its outdated engine
and aircraft avionics configurations and that OFT II would train
aircrews to operate the re-engined and updated-avionics-configured C 135
model aircraft. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff
has included the procurement of OFT II among his top five unfunded
requirements in fiscal year 2001 and recommends an increase of $9.0
million, of which $6.5 million is for an OFT II and $2.5 million is to
equip this OFT II with motion simulation.
RC 135 GATM upgrades include: interference resistant navigational
receivers, global positioning system upgrades, a traffic collision and
avoidance system, radios to permit reduced vertical separation between
aircraft during Atlantic Ocean transit, cockpit voice recorders, and
flight management system upgrades. The committee understands that,
without these upgrades, RC 135 aircraft will be restricted from flying
the most direct and fuel-efficient ocean routes and altitudes, will be
subject to critical landing-phase navigational radio interference, and
will not be equipped with the Secretary of Defense-directed safety
modifications until after fiscal year 2005. To meet these vital needs,
the committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included RC
135 GATM upgrades among his unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001,
and consequently, recommends an increase of $28.4 million for this
purpose.
The TAWS significantly improves the accuracy of ballistic missile
warning on RC 135 RJ, a tactical reconnaissance aircraft. In its report
on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee recommended an increase
of $17.3 million for the RC 135 RJ TAWS and believes that continued
integration of these suites is critical to tactical missile defense
warning. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million for continued procurement and installation of TAWS suites on the
RC 135 RJ aircraft.
To consolidate RC 135 modifications in DARP, line 56, and U 2
modifications in DARP, line 80, the committee recommends a transfer of
the $5.1 million budgeted for RC 135 aircraft modifications in DARP,
line 80 into this budget line; and a transfer of the $18.3 million
budgeted for U 2 aircraft modifications in this line into DARP, line 80.
This transfer results in a $13.2 million decrease to this line and an
increase of $13.2 million in DARP, line 80.
In total, the committee recommends $243.7 million for DARP, line 56,
an increase of $78.2 million for RC 135 modifications.
Finally, the committee is concerned about the Department of the Air
Force's budget plan for the RC 135's joint signals intelligence avionics
family (JSAF) upgrades and notes that the request would budget for a
single JSAF suite for the RC 135 but additional suites are not planned
until fiscal year 2005. Without full and continuous funding for this
upgrade, the committee understands the first system, if installed onto
the RC 135, would result in a unique RC 135 aircraft configuration which
would increase unit support costs for that aircraft. Accordingly, the
committee believes the new JSAF system should continue development and
testing in the RC 135 systems integration laboratory and on the U 2
aircraft until the Department of the Air Force budgets to upgrade all 16
RC 135 aircraft.
Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 80
The budget request contained $98.4 million in DARP, line 80, for
various U 2 and RC 135 aircraft modifications, of which $1.8 million was
included for senior year electro-optic reconnaissance system (SYERS)
sensor spares and $17.0 million was included for a joint signals
intelligence avionics family (JSAF) suite for the U 2. However, the
budget request did not include any funds for additional U 2ST aircraft,
a two-seat trainer version of the single-seat U 2S reconnaissance
aircraft.
SYERS is an electro-optic camera system that provides real-time
imagery to national decision makers and tactical forces. The committee
understands that the budget request underfunds initial deployment spares
for the SYERS upgrade by $3.0 million and, accordingly, recommends an
increase of this amount.
The JSAF provides an upgraded information collection capability for
the U 2S. The committee understands that the budget request is
insufficient to procure an entire JSAF suite and required spares and
cabling. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million for this purpose.
The committee understands that there are only four U 2STs and that
without an additional U 2ST, the U 2S pilot production rate does not
meet requirements to resolve an existing pilot shortage. The committee
notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included an additional U 2ST
among his top five unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 and,
accordingly, recommends an increase of $10.0 million to convert a U 2S
into a U 2ST aircraft.
Including transfers between DARP lines 56 and 80 discussed elsewhere
in this report, the committee recommends $128.6 million, an increase of
$30.2 million, for U 2 modifications.
15 modifications
The budget request contained $258.2 million for F 15 modifications,
of which $37.3 million was included for modification kits that convert
the F100 engine to the F100 220E configuration. However, the budget
request included no funds for F 15 Bofers launchers (BOL) countermeasure
dispenser systems for the Air National Guard's (ANG) F 15A and B
aircraft, which would significantly improve its survivability.
Conversion kits for the F 15's F100 engine, also known as ``E-kits,''
provide increased thrust, greater reliability, better fuel efficiency,
and reduced operations and maintenance costs. The committee understands
that, without the E-kit modification, ANG's F 15A/B fleet will be
increasingly costly to operate and maintain, less safe, and have
diminished availability to respond to the Air Force's Air Expeditionary
Force contingency operations. Accordingly, the committee recommends an
increase of $70.0 million for E-kits to accelerate the conversion of the
ANG's F 15A/B aircraft engines to the F100 220E configuration.
The committee understands that the Air Force's test of a BOL
countermeasures dispenser system on the F 15 aircraft revealed that this
system provided a dramatic increase in the aircraft's chaff and flare
capacity and a new preemptive expendable capability. The committee also
understands that the Air Combat Command has identified
an urgent requirement for a preemptive chaff and flare
capability on the F 15, and notes that the Chief of the Air National
Guard has included integration of such capability on F 15A and B
aircraft among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million
to integrate the BOL countermeasure dispenser system on the ANG's F 15A
and B aircraft. The committee also recommends $68.9 million, an increase
of $7.6 million, in PE 27134F for F 15 operational systems development
to complete foreign comparative test activities for integration of this
system on all F 15 aircraft, as reflected in Title II of this report.
In total, the committee recommends $358.2 million, an increase of
$100.0 million for F 15 modifications.
Additionally, the committee notes that the Air Force modifies its F
15 fleet with a series of individual modifications rather than through a
comprehensive block upgrade approach, such as the B 2 block modification
upgrade program, in which several modifications are accomplished at one
time. Since the committee believes that an F 15 block upgrade program
would be more efficient, reduce cost, increase aircraft availability,
and increase readiness through a reduction in the number of different F
15 configurations, it strongly encourages the Secretary of the Air Force
to implement an F 15 block upgrade program beginning with the Air
Force's fiscal year 2002 budget request, and expects the Secretary to
report to the congressional defense committees his plan to implement
such a block upgrade program.
15E
The budget request contained no funds for procurement of F 15E
aircraft. The F 15E is a two-seat, missionized-cockpit, dual-role
fighter that retains an air-to-air capability and adds the systems
necessary to meet the requirement for an all-weather, deep penetration,
day/night air-to-surface attack aircraft.
The committee notes that the Air Force plans to operate its inventory
of 218 F 15Es until 2030, and further notes that the F 15E fleet has
recently experienced very high operational tempos. The committee
believes, therefore, that additional attrition reserve aircraft should
be procured.
Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $149.8 million
for two F 15E aircraft.
16 modifications
The budget request contained $248.8 million for various F 16
modifications, of which $6.0 million was included to procure 29 ALE 50
towed decoy launcher pylons. However, the request included no funds for
the LITENING II precision attack targeting system (PATS) or for airborne
video solid-state recorder systems (AVSRs).
The committee understands that Air National Guard (ANG) F 16 units
equipped with the F 16C block 25 and 30 aircraft have an immediate
shortfall in precision strike capability. The committee notes that the
Chief of the Air National Guard has identified procurement of additional
LITENING II PATS as his number one unfunded requirement in fiscal year
2001. This system, which consists of a third-generation forward-looking
infrared and a laser spot tracker, will allow ANG block 25 and 30 F 16s
to participate in future Air Expeditionary Force contingency operations.
The committee notes that the ANG has a requirement for 160 LITENING II
PATSs, but only 56 have been funded.
The committee believes the integration of ANG F 16s into precision
strike operations is essential to the Total Force concept and,
therefore, recommends an increase of $25.0 million to procure 17
additional systems.
The ALE 50 towed decoy pylon enables F 16C aircraft to carry the ALE
50, a radio-frequency repeater which is used to decoy an incoming threat
missile away from the aircraft. The committee understands that the ALE
50 was one of the most effective countermeasure devices used during
Operation Allied Force and that it is credited with saving several
aircraft. Also, the committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff
has identified procurement of the ALE 50 towed decoy pylon among his
unfunded modernization requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends $18.3 million, an increase of
$12.3 million, to accelerate the production of 111 additional ALE 50
towed decoy pylons.
The AVSR is a commercial off-the-shelf replacement for the F 16's
existing mechanical airborne video tape recorders which, the committee
understands, are difficult to maintain and have low reliability. The
committee also understands that the AVSR will provide a dramatic
improvement in mean time between failure, has no moving parts which can
break or wear out, requires no scheduled maintenance and will save an
estimated $80 million in life-cycle costs compared to the F 16's current
system.
Therefore, to improve reliability and reduce F 16 airborne video tape
recorder ownership costs, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0
million for the AVSR.
In total, the committee recommends $298.1 million for F 16
modifications, an increase of $49.3 million.
16 improved avionics intermediate shop (IAIS)
The budget request contained $25.5 million for F 16 post production
support, of which $5.0 million was included for one IAIS system.
The F 16 IAIS system is a mobile test station used to diagnose and
repair F 16 avionics problems at deployed locations. Because the F 16
IAIS uses fewer people and requires less cargo space for transit than
the existing avionics intermediate shop, deployments of F 16 units which
have the IAIS require less airlift support.
The committee understands that 63 F 16 IAISs are required but notes
that only 48 have been--or are planned to be--procured in the future
years defense program. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of
Staff has identified additional IAISs among his unfunded requirements in
fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends $49.5 million, an increase of
$24.0 million for five additional F 16 IAIS systems, including two for
active, two for Air National Guard, and one for Air Force Reserve units.
16C
The budget request contained no funds for the procurement of F 16C
aircraft, the primary multi-mission fighter aircraft of the Air Force.
The committee notes its continuing strong support for the F 16C
program and that Congress provided an increase of $24.0 million in
fiscal year 2000 for advance procurement of additional aircraft in
fiscal year 2001. Finally, the committee notes that the Department of
the Air Force planned to procure 20 additional aircraft (10 each in
fiscal years 2002 and 2003) but has subsequently revised its plan and
now intends to procure six aircraft in fiscal year 2003 and seven in
each of fiscal years 2004 and 2005.
Therefore, consistent with its previous actions, and noting that both
the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Chief of the Air National Guard
have identified additional F 16C aircraft among their top unfunded
requirements in fiscal year 2001, the committee recommends an increase
of $51.7 million and expects that the Department will combine these
funds with the $24.0 million appropriated for advance procurement in
fiscal year 2000 for to procure three F 16C block 50/52 aircraft.
The committee observes that the Senate Committee on Appropriations
report on H.R. 2521 (S. Rept. 102 154) stated, ``the Committee directs
that F 16 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force during
fiscal year 1992 be turned over to those Air National Guard F 16's units
which served in Operation Desert Storm.'' The committee further observes
that the statement of the managers accompanying the conference report on
H.R. 2521 (H. Rept. 102 328) stated, ``The Committee of Conference
directs the Air Force to initiate, immediately in the first quarter of
fiscal year 1992, the modernization process for those Air National Guard
F 16 units that deployed to Operation Desert Storm, in priority over any
nondeploying unit, leading to equipping these deploying units with
updated F 16 aircraft. Units with the Close Air Support (CAS) mission
will be equipped with Block 30 aircraft.'' The committee notes that the
Air Force complied with the aforementioned directives but subsequently
reversed that action when it removed the block 30 aircraft of the 174th
Fighter Wing and replaced them with less capable block 25 aircraft.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to
assign F 16 block 40, or later model F 16 aircraft, to Air National
Guard units whose capabilities have been downgraded as a result of the
substitution of older block aircraft when F 16C block 50/52 aircraft
procured in fiscal year 2001 are delivered to the Air Force.
8C joint surveillance and target attack radar system (STARS)
The budget request contained no funds for advance procurement to
continue E 8C Joint STARS aircraft production.
The E 8C Joint STARS aircraft provides near real-time surveillance
and targeting information on moving and stationary ground targets,
enabling battlefield commanders to quickly make and execute engagement
decisions. Although its situational awareness value to commanders has
prompted the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) to validate a
requirement for 19 aircraft, the Department of the Air Force has
budgeted only for 15.
While the committee is encouraged that the Department has funded the
15th Joint STARS aircraft in its budget request, it remains concerned
that, despite the JROC-validated requirement for 19 aircraft, the
Department plans to shut down the E 8C production line after this
aircraft is produced. These ``low-density, high demand'' aircraft are
among the most sought-after assets by the regional commanders-in-chief
for a range
of reconnaissance and surveillance operations and have been
combat proven in the recent Operation Allied Force.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million for
advance procurement of a 16th E 8C Joint STARS aircraft.
Lightweight environmentally sealed parachute assembly (LESPA)
The budget request contained $28.2 million for other aircraft
modifications but included no funds for the LESPA.
Due to its longer repack cycle and extended service life, the
committee continues to believe that the Department of the Air Force will
realize substantial life cycle cost savings with LESPA, compared to
existing parachutes, and has previously recommended procurement of
LESPAs for the Navy's P 3 and E 2 aircraft.
Consistent with its previous actions to reduce ownership costs, the
committee recommends $35.2 million for other aircraft modifications, an
increase of $7.0 million for LESPAs to replace existing parachutes in C
130, C 141, C 5 and KC 135 aircraft.
Predator
The budget request contained $22.1 million for procurement of the
Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system.
The committee understands that the Air Force is experiencing
vanishing vendor problems with some of the current hardware in the
Predator ground station and that there is a requirement to control
multiple Predator aircraft simultaneously from a single ground station.
The committee is also aware that there are required air vehicle
reliability and maintainability upgrades that have not been funded.
Consequently, the committee recommends $34.1 million for the
Predator, an increase of $12.0 million for upgrading the current ground
stations with commercial hardware, for integrating the capability to
control multiple UAVs simultaneously and for improving air vehicle
reliability and maintainability.
Finally, the committee is aware that a jointly funded effort between
the contractor and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has
developed a turbo-prop variant of the Predator to be followed by a
jet-powered variant. Both of these Predator-B variants use the current
Predator ground station, avionics, datalink, and control software but
provide major performance improvements over the current aircraft,
including a maximum speed in excess of 200 knots and a service ceiling
to 45,000 feet. While the current Predator has clearly proven its
military worth, given these performance improvements, a Predator-B would
appear to satisfy many niche missions for which the current vehicle is
not well-suited. The committee believes that a Predator-B would be a
valuable addition to the Predator fleet and that a mix of Predator-A and
-B aircraft would cost effectively satisfy all Predator mission
requirements.
Therefore, the committee requests the Secretary of the Air Force to
conduct an assessment of the utility of a Predator-B aircraft, including
the benefits or problems operating a mixed Predator fleet. The committee
further requests the Secretary report his findings to the congressional
defense and intelligence committees concurrent with the submission of
the fiscal year 2002 budget request.
T 3A modifications
The budget request contained $1.9 million for T 3A aircraft
modifications.
The committee notes that the Department of the Air Force has removed
the T 3A from service for screening prospective pilot candidates prior
to entry into undergraduate pilot training. Consequently, the committee
recommends no funding for T 3A modifications, a decrease of $1.9
million.
AMMUNITION PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $638.8 million for Ammunition
Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $638.8 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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MISSILE PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $3,061.7 million for Missile
Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $3,046.7 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
AGM 65 modifications
The budget request contained $2.0 million to convert 200 AGM 65G
missiles to the AGM 65K configuration.
The AGM 65 is a precision guided tactical missile employed on the F
16 and A 10 aircraft. The ``G'' configuration has an infrared target
seeker that can be upgraded to the ``K'' configuration, which uses an
updated electro-optical (EO) seeker. The ``B'' configuration has an
obsolete EO target seeker that can be upgraded to the ``H''
configuration, which also uses an updated EO seeker. Since the committee
understands that over 5300 AGM 65s were fired in Operation Desert Storm
and over 800 in Operation Allied Force, it believes that the current
upgrade rate can neither meet future operational requirements nor
provide sufficient missiles for training.
Consistent with its prior year actions in adding funds for these
upgrades, the committee recommends $7.0 million, an increase of $5.0
million, for conversion to both the AGM 65H and K configurations, of
which some missiles should be procured for Air National Guard pilot
training.
Medium launch vehicle (MLV)
The budget request contained $55.9 million for MLV launch operations.
The committee notes that the MLV is used for Global Positioning
System (GPS) satellite launch operations and that, due to the
restructuring of the GPS program, GPS launches have been delayed.
Consequently, the committee believes that the budget request contains
funds in excess of MLV program requirements. Therefore, the committee
recommends $45.9 million for MLV, a reduction of $10.0 million.
Titan
The budget request contained $469.7 million for the Titan launch
vehicle and launch operations.
The committee notes that the management contingency funding request
for the Titan program is substantially larger than that of other
programs of comparable maturity and believes that the budget request
contains funds in excess of requirements. Therefore, the committee
recommends $459.7 million, a reduction of $10.0 million.
OTHER PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $7,699.1 million for Other Procurement,
Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization
of $7,869.9 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Automatic data processing equipment (ADPE)
The budget request contained $74.8 million for ADPE but included no
funds for the spare parts production and re-procurement system (SPARES),
a web-based, industry-standard electronic storage and management system.
The committee understands that SPARES has enabled parts procurement
times to be reduced from 90 to 15 days and field maintenance response
times to be reduced from 14 days to only a few hours. The committee
continues to consider these figures impressive as it did when
recommending increased funding for SPARES in its report on H.R. 1401 (H.
Rept. 106 162) for fiscal year 2000.
Therefore, consistent with its prior actions, the committee
recommends $84.8 million, an increase of $10.0 million, to continue
procurement of the SPARES.
AN/FPS 117 radar beacon replacement
The budget request contained $54.4 million for communications
electronics modifications but included no funds for replacement of
beacons on AN/FPS 117 radars. The AN/FPS 117 is a minimally attended,
long-range radar system used to provide air defense and air traffic
control in the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska.
The committee understands that the AN/FPS 117's beacons, which
provide identification friend or foe information to military air defense
controllers as well as altitude and aircraft identification to civilian
air traffic controllers, are increasingly unsupportable due to
out-of-production parts and do not meet Federal Aviation Administration
regulations for air traffic control.
The committee believes these radars should not be allowed to
deteriorate and, therefore recommends $69.4 million, an increase of
$15.0 million, to begin a program for integration, testing and
replacement of AN/FPS 117 radar beacons.
Eagle vision
The budget request included no funds for procuring the processing
hardware necessary to complete the Eagle Vision 4 imagery system.
Eagle Vision is a ground station that receives and processes imagery
from commercial remote sensing satellites. The committee fully supports
the Eagle Vision commercial imagery initiative, which has provided
unique, unclassified imagery support to meet theater and service
requirements that, due to higher priorities, cannot be met by other
technical means. The committee believes that this initiative needs to be
fully funded to continue such support.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for
completing the Eagle Vision 4 processor installation.
Rivet joint mission trainer (RJMT)
The budget request contained $12.8 million for RC 135 Defense Aerial
Reconnaissance Program procurement but included no funds to provide a
forward-deployed training capability for the RJMT, the primary RC 135
Rivet Joint (RJ) ground training simulator.
The RC 135 RJ is a tactical reconnaissance aircraft that provides
real-time intelligence to combat forces. The committee understands that
the procurement of an enhanced field exportable training system (EFETS)
would improve training and readiness by allowing deployed RC 135 RJ
crewmembers to use existing post-mission ground data processing
equipment to function as an RJMT. Since procurement of an additional
RJMT for deployed locations would not be required, the committee further
understands that the EFETS would save the Air Force $27.4 million and
notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included $15.5 million for
the EFETS among his top five unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends $28.3 million, an increase of
$15.5 million for this purpose.
Senior scout
The budget request contained $5.5 million for procurement of
intelligence communications equipment, including $2.0 million for
procurement of spares and replacement equipment for the Senior Scout
tactical reconnaissance aircraft.
The committee is pleased that the Air Force has decided to retain the
Senior Scout reconnaissance capability to augment the high demand/low
density airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
fleets in the reserve component. However, the committee is disturbed
that the Air Force has not added funding to upgrade the Senior Scout to
more effectively interoperate with other ISR aircraft and, more
importantly, the combat aircraft it supports.
Therefore, the committee recommends $13.7 million for intelligence
communications equipment, an increase of $8.2 million for Senior Scout
collection and dissemination upgrades and for the addition of a
deployable ground data reduction system.
Situation awareness data link (SADL) gateway for the theater
air control system (TACS)
The budget request contained $15.4 million for TACS improvement but
included no funds to initiate a program for the SADL gateway for the Air
National Guard's (ANG) TACS.
The SADL gateway for the ANG's TACS would use
commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting system
radios, a laptop-sized computer, and an integrated software package to
provide datalink-equipped ground assets with friend or foe track
identification when an aircraft's transponder is not operating. This
capability would enable ANG TACS participants on the ground to view the
entire air battle picture. The committee understands that this system
would help prevent battlefield fratricide and notes that the Chief of
the Air National Guard has identified the SADL gateway for the ANG's
TACS among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001.
Consequently, the committee recommends $19.8 million, an increase of
$4.4 million, to initiate a SADL gateway program for the ANG's TACS.
Supply asset tracking system (SATS)
The budget request contained $15.1 million for mechanized material
handling equipment but included no funds for SATS.
SATS provides the capability to quickly and accurately identify and
locate personnel, equipment and supplies through the use of commercial
automated information technology. The committee understands that this
system enhances productivity, shortens inventory cycles, and allows
real-time inventory updates.
The committee notes that Congress has provided additional funds for
SATS installation over the past two years and accordingly, recommends
$27.1 million, an increase of $12.0 million, to continue the
installation of this system at Air Force bases worldwide.
PROCUREMENT, DEFENSE-WIDE
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $2,275.3 million for Procurement,
Defense-Wide for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends
authorization of $2,309.1 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Automated document conversion system (ADCS)
The budget request contained no funds for ADCS.
The committee recognizes that the ADCS program continues to perform a
critical role in the attainment of the Department's goal for achieving a
digitally integrated, paperless environment by 2002. Although the ADCS
is the Department's single most productive program in converting the
vast remaining inventories of legacy engineering drawings into more
useful computerized formats, the committee understands that, a
significant conversion backlog remains in each service.
Therefore, in order to reduce this backlog, the committee recommends
an increase of $40.0 million to continue the ADCS program.
Counternarcotics discreet operations radio (CONDOR)
The budget request contained no funds for the CONDOR, a mobile
communications system that allows encrypted as well as non-encrypted
transmissions in a single device and includes a net broadcast capability
for one-to-many communications similar to handheld radios. CONDOR
addresses the Department of Defense's requirement to have secure and
net-mode mobile communications in a device that resembles a normal
cellular telephone while reducing the Department's need to maintain
unique expensive wireless networks.
The committee understands that NSA has procured a small number of
these devices; however, additional devices are required. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million for additional CONDOR
procurement.
Patriot advanced capability 3 (PAC 3)
The budget request contained $365.5 million for acquisition of the
PAC 3 system and 40 PAC 3 missiles. The PAC 3 system is the only theater
missile defense (TMD) system nearing operational deployment that is
capable of defeating current sophisticated ballistic missile threats.
The committee notes that the Director of the Ballistic Missile
Defense Organization has identified facilitization of the PAC 3
production line and additional procurement of PAC 3 missiles as unfunded
requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee believes that additional
funds would provide both manufacturing efficiencies prior to full rate
production of the PAC 3 as well as inventory growth to meet emerging
threats.
Because of the near-term importance of the PAC 3 for TMD, the
committee recommends $430.7 million, an increase of $35.2 million for
procurement of eight additional PAC 3 missiles and $30.0 million for
additional facilitization of the PAC 3 production line.
Portable intelligence collection and relay capability (PICRC)
The budget request contained $32.3 million for special operations
forces (SOF) intelligence systems but included no funds for the PICRC.
The PICRC integrates commercial-off-the-shelf mapping and display
software, desktop computers, hand-held computing devices, and wireless
communications to enable SOF operators to employ high-resolution imagery
for precision navigation, annotate real-time visual observations, and
relay information to command elements.
The committee understands that this system would significantly
enhance SOF capabilities to accurately collect, quickly report, and
promptly act upon real-time intelligence data. Consequently, the
committee recommends $38.3 million, an increase of $6.0 million, for
procurement of PICRC systems.
CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, DEFENSE
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained no funds for Chemical Agents and
Munitions Destruction, Defense for fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends authorization of $877.1 million for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends approval of the request except for those
programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified,
adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability
considerations.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Chemical agents and munitions destruction
As described elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends
transferring the budget request of $1,003.5 million for Chemical Agents
and Munitions Destruction, Army (CAMD, A) to Chemical Agents and
Munitions Destruction, Defense (CAMD, D), and recommends a total of
$877.1 million for the program.
The committee notes the progress during the last fiscal year in the
continuing effort to dispose of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical
agents and munitions and of chemical warfare related materiel, while
ensuring maximum protection of the public, personnel involved in the
destruction and the environment. Nearly 20 percent of the original
stockpile of 31,495 tons of chemical agents has been destroyed and 90
percent of the stockpile is under contract for destruction.
The committee continues to be concerned about total cost of the
chemical agents and munitions destruction program (currently estimated
at $14.9 billion). Section 141 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) included several measures to
increase the flexibility of the program with respect to the disposition
of chemical stockpile destruction facilities and the destruction of
non-stockpile chemical agents, munitions or related materials in these
facilities. The provision required the Secretary of Defense to assess
the program and report to the Congress by March 1, 2000, the measures
taken, or planned to be taken, under existing law and recommendations
for additional legislation to reduce significantly program costs and to
meet U.S. obligations under the CWC. The section further provided for a
review and assessment by the Comptroller General of the United States of
program execution and financial management for each element of the
program. The committee intends to use these reports as the basis for
further review of the program later this year.
The committee continues to believe that, in order to ensure the
maximum protection of the public, personnel involved in the destruction
of the stockpile, and the environment, the Department should proceed
with destruction of the stockpile as rapidly as is technically and
programmatically feasible. Therefore, the committee recommends that the
Secretary of Defense carry out the chemical agents and munitions
destruction program in accordance with the following priorities:
Execution of the baseline chemical stockpile disposal project and the
alternative technologies project at those sites selected and approved
for use of those technologies; and
Preparation for pilot testing of those ACWA technologies which have
the greatest likelihood of implementation and, if implemented, of
meeting the destruction goals established by the CWC.
Chemical stockpile disposal project
The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction
program included $105.1 million in procurement and $483.6 million in
operations and maintenance funding for the chemical stockpile disposal
project. The committee recommends the budget request for the chemical
stockpile disposal project.
Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness project (CSEPP)
The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction
program included $600,000 in procurement funds for minor replacement
equipment and $66.7 million for CSEPP operations and maintenance.
The committee notes that funds provided for CSEPP in fiscal years
1999 and 2000 were subject to reductions of approximately 9 percent and
8 percent, respectively, as a pro-rata share of reductions to the CAMD,
A account. Because of the potential impact of such reductions on the
safety of those living and working near or on the chemical stockpile
storage and destruction sites, the committee directs that funding for
CSEPP shall be at the requested level unless otherwise specifically
noted.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a total of $600,000 in CAMD, D
Procurement, and $66.7 million in CAMD, D Operations and Maintenance,
for CSEPP, as a Congressional special interest item.
Alternative technologies and approaches project
The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction
program included $135.2 million for development of alternative
technologies and approaches for the disposal of bulk chemical agents
stored at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Newport, Indiana. The
committee recommends the budget request for the alternative technologies
and approaches project.
Non-stockpile chemical materiel project
The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction
program included $60.2 million in research and development, $16.2
million in procurement, and $47.5 million in operations and maintenance
funds for the non-stockpile chemical materiel project.
The committee notes that the Army has destroyed a large portion of
its existing non-stockpile chemical warfare materiel and that
approximately 1,400 non-stockpile chemical munitions are currently in
storage awaiting destruction. However, because of technical issues, cost
increases, and delays in obtaining state permits, program officials are
considering alternate disposal methods, including the use of chemical
stockpile disposal facilities.
The committee is aware that an independent assessment of the
non-stockpile project recommends seeking appropriate environmental
permit language to allow destruction of non-stockpile materiel at the
chemical stockpile disposal facilities. The assessment also recommends
examination of the schedule and cost risks of the non-stockpile project
to quantify the potential program risks, ultimate costs, and time to
complete the project. The committee believes that these issues must be
addressed and serious consideration given to destruction of
non-stockpile chemical materiel in stockpile
disposal facilities before proceeding further with development
and acquisition of integrated transportable treatment systems for
non-stockpile chemical materiel.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a total of $47.5 million for
the non-stockpile chemical materiel project, a decrease of $60.2 million
for non-stockpile chemical materiel project research and development and
a decrease of $16.2 million for non-stockpile chemical materiel project
procurement.
Chemical agent identification sets
The committee notes that approximately 10,000 chemical agent
identification sets (CAIS) and components, which were used to train
soldiers in defensive responses to a chemical attack, are in storage
awaiting destruction, and that the Army's baseline approach for treating
and disposing of CAIS has been to develop a mobile treatment system in
the non-stockpile chemical materiel project. The committee has reviewed
the National Research Council (NRC)'s report ``Disposal of Chemical
Agent Identification Sets,'' which evaluates the Army's 1998 report to
Congress on alternative approaches for the treatment and disposal of
CAIS. The NRC recommends that the Army reconsider its interpretation of
CAIS as chemical warfare materiel under section 1512 of Title 50, United
States Code, evaluate the technical feasibility of non-incineration
technologies for CAIS disposal, insure the active involvement of public
and other stakeholder groups CAIS project decision, and consider the
potential use of chemical stockpile destruction facilities for CAIS
disposal.
The committee expects the Secretary of the Army to address the
Council's recommendations in the next annual status report on the
disposal of chemical weapons and materiel.
Assembled chemical weapons assessment (ACWA)
The budget request for chemical agents and munitions destruction
contains $79.0 million for ACWA research and development, including
$50.0 million for engineering design studies for three additional
alternative technologies to be demonstrated in accordance with the
statement of managers that accompanied the conference report on H.R.
2561 (H. Rept. 106 371).
The committee has reviewed the progress in the ACWA program to
identify and demonstrate not less than two alternatives to the baseline
incineration process in accordance with Title VIII, section 8065 of the
Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104 208) and
to conduct evaluations of three additional alternative technologies.
The committee notes the NRC's ``Review and Evaluation of Alternative
Technologies for Demilitarization of Assembled Chemical Weapons'' dated
August 1999, which concluded that the primary alternative technologies
can decompose the chemical agents of concern with the required
destruction efficiencies; however, testing, verification, and
integration beyond the 1999 demonstration phase would be necessary. The
NRC also concluded that an extraordinary commitment of resources would
be required to complete destruction of the assembled chemical weapons
stockpile (using any of the ACWA technology packages) in time to meet
the current deadline established by the CWC.
The committee notes that the NRC's ``Supplemental Review,'' dated
March 2000, of the three technologies from the 1999 demonstration
concluded that, while the two hydrolysis-based technologies showed
promise, none of the technology packages was ready for integrated pilot
programming, and the tests were not conducted for a sufficient period of
time to demonstrate reliability and long-term operations. The committee
notes that the two hydrolysis-based technologies are currently in the
engineering design studies phase and that a site-specific Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS), which includes both the baseline incineration
and hydrolysis options, is being submitted for the Pueblo, Colorado,
chemical stockpile destruction facility in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A NEPA record of decision is expected
in May 2001, approximately 15 months from the date the EIS was filed.
The committee notes that contract awards for demonstration of the
three additional alternative technologies were made in February 2000 and
a report to Congress of the results of the demonstration is planned for
March 2001. Based on this schedule and noting the concerns raised by the
NRC regarding the need for testing, verification, and integration beyond
the demonstration phase, the committee believes there is no requirement
to begin preliminary engineering design studies for the three additional
alternatives during fiscal year 2001.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $29.0 million for ACWA program
research and development, a decrease of $50.0 million.
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE A--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
SECTIONS 101 107--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
These sections would authorize the recommended fiscal year 2001
funding levels for all procurement accounts.
SUBTITLE B--ARMY PROGRAMS
SECTION 111--MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY
This section would authorize the Secretary of the Army to enter into
multiyear procurement (MYP) contracts for the M2A3 Bradley Fighting
Vehicle in fiscal year 2001 and the UH 60 Blackhawk and Navy CH 60
Knighthawk utility helicopters, as the Department of the Navy's
executive agent, in fiscal year 2002. This section would also prohibit
the Secretary of the Army from executing a M2A3 Bradley MYP contract
until a successful completion of the vehicle's initial operational test
and evaluation and certification by the Secretary to the congressional
defense committees that the vehicle met all of its required test
parameters.
SECTION 112--INCREASE IN LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF BUNKER DEFEAT
MUNITIONS THAT MAY BE ACQUIRED
This section would amend section 116 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103 337) to increase
the number of bunker defeat munitions that may be acquired by the Army
from 6,000 contingency rounds to 8,500 contingency rounds.
SECTION 113--ARMAMENT RETOOLING AND MANUFACTURING SUPPORT INITIATIVE
This section would modify section 193 of the Armament Retooling and
Manufacturing Support (ARMS) Act of 1992 (Public Law 102 484) by
extending the initiative through fiscal year 2002. The provision would
also expand the purposes of the ARMS Act beyond the current facilities
identified in Section 193 to include the Army manufacturing arsenals.
Finally, the provision would modify Section 194 of the ARMS Act to allow
the Secretary of the Army to enter into long term facilities use
contracts and accept non-monetary consideration in lieu of rental
payments for use of facilities. The provision would require that the
Secretary of the Army provide a report to the Congressional defense
committees by July 1, 2001, on the implementation of the arsenal
contracts provided by the ARMS Act authority.
SUBTITLE C--NAVY PROGRAMS
SECTION 121--SUBMARINE FORCE STRUCTURE
This section would prohibit the retirement of any Los Angeles class
nuclear powered attack submarine with less than 30 years of active
commissioned service. This section would also require the President to
report to Congress on the submarine force structure required to support
the national military strategy and the acquisition and overhaul
requirements necessary to achieve and maintain such a force.
Section 122--Virginia Class Submarine Program
This section would authorize the Secretary of the Navy to enter into
a contract for the procurement of five Virginia class submarines during
fiscal years 2003 through 2006.
SECTION 123--RETENTION OF CONFIGURATION OF CERTAIN NAVAL RESERVE
FRIGATES
This provision would require the Secretary of the Navy to configure
and equip the Naval Reserve FFG 7 Flight I and II frigates remaining in
active service with the complete organic weapon system for these vessels
as specified in the Navy's Operational Requirements Document and retain
these frigates in their current locations.
SECTION 124--EXTENSION OF MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR ARLEIGH
BURKE CLASS DESTROYERS
This section would authorize an extension of the existing multiyear
procurement contract for the DDG 51 destroyer program through fiscal
year 2005. The section would authorize the procurement of three ships
per year through fiscal year 2001 and the procurement of up to three
ships per year from fiscal year 2002 through 2005.
SUBTITLE D--AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
SECTION 131--ANNUAL REPORT ON OPERATIONAL STATUS OF B 2 BOMBER
This section would repeal section 112 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101 89).
This section would further require the Secretary of Defense to submit an
annual report on the B 2 bomber that would include assessments related
to B 2 capabilities; technologies needed to enhance B 2 capabilities and
the adequacy of technology investments to enhance these capabilities;
and the consistency of such technology investments with the Air Force
bomber roadmap and the report of the 1998 Long Range Airpower panel
submitted pursuant to the requirements of the Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105 56).
SUBTITLE E--JOINT PROGRAMS
SECTION 141--STUDY OF PRODUCTION ALTERNATIVES FOR THE JOINT STRIKE
FIGHTER PROGRAM
This section would direct the Secretary of Defense to submit a report
to Congress providing the results of a study of production alternatives
for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program and the effects on the
tactical fighter aircraft industrial base of each alternative
considered.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $37,862.4 million for research,
development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), representing a decrease of
$426.7 million to the amount provided for fiscal year 2000. The
committee recommends $39,309.2 million, an increase of $1,446.8 million
from the budget request.
The committee notes that the fiscal year 2001 request for RDT&E
funding represents the first increase in the budget request for RDT&E
funding by the Administration in five years. Although this request
approaches the level of funding provided by Congress in recent years, a
number of important priorities are identified by the services as
unfunded or underfunded. The committee has placed its emphasis on
recommending increases to the request, where appropriate, to address the
highest unfunded priorities identified by each of the military service
chiefs, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, the Special
Operations Command, and other defense agencies prevented by funding
constraints from investing in needed advanced technology.
The committee remains concerned that the Department of Defense
continues to place higher priority on the allocation of budgetary
resources to research and development activities of some defense
agencies than on those of the military services. The committee believes
that the Department has not provided sufficient justification to support
imbalances in funding levels between the defense agencies and the
military services, and, therefore, recommends correcting these
imbalances by maintaining funding of several defense agencies at the
levels originally projected by the Department for fiscal year 2001 in
the budget estimates provided to Congress one year ago.
The budget request contained $7,543.2 million for defense science and
technology, including all defense-wide and military service funding for
basic research, applied research, and advanced development. The
committee notes that this amount represents a decrease of $853.3 million
from the amount provided in fiscal year 2000. As outlined elsewhere in
this report, the committee continues to be disturbed by the growing
number of military service research and development programs that have
been reduced or eliminated as a result of insufficient research and
development funding, and is particularly concerned with the low level of
science and technology funding. The committee views defense science and
technology investment as critical to maintaining U.S. military
technological superiority in the face of growing and changing threats to
national security interests around the world.
While the budget request for RDT&E activities represents a
significant reversal in the five-year trend of decline experienced by
the services, the committee believes that many important programs have
already experienced unnecessary cost and schedule growth as a direct
result of unjustified funding constraints. The committee strongly
recommends that the Secretary of Defense thoroughly review the
Department's modernization investment strategy to ensure proper balance
between the services and defense-wide agencies, and between legacy
systems and the technological advances critical to the future
superiority of the nation's military forces.
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ARMY RDT&E
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $5,260.3 million for Army RDT&E. The
committee recommends authorization of $5,500.2 million, an increase of
$239.9 million.
The committee recommendations for the fiscal year 2000 Army RDT&E
program are identified in the table below. Major changes to the Army
request are discussed following the table.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Advanced artillery systems
The budget request contained $355.3 million in PE 63854A for
artillery systems, and $23.2 million in PE 63635M for ground combat
support systems, including $12.1 million for the lightweight 155mm towed
howitzer.
The committee notes that the Army and Marine Corps have identified a
need for lighter, more lethal, more mobile, and strategically more
deployable artillery systems to support their complementary forces. The
committee further notes the joint Army-Marine Corps program with the
United Kingdom to develop a new lightweight 155mm towed howitzer as a
replacement for the aging and operationally deficient M198 towed
howitzer for both the Marine Corps and the Army. The committee is aware
that the lightweight 155mm towed howitzer has already been successfully
transported by the MV 22 Osprey to demonstrate its ability to be rapidly
transported on the battlefield. The committee notes that the lightweight
155mm howitzer will incorporate a modern fire-control system, not
available in the M198, which will allow the howitzer to be emplaced
within two minutes, and immediately fired with greatly increased
accuracy.
The committee also notes the Army's highest priority effort, the
procurement of a medium weight brigade force and supports this effort to
develop a capability to rapidly and appropriately respond to global
threats. The Army has confirmed a requirement for a highly capable fire
support for this new force but must rely initially on the towed M198
howitzer until the lightweight 155mm development is complete.
The committee supports the rapid fielding of the lightweight 155mm
towed howitzer for both the new Army medium weight brigades and for the
Marine Corps, and is aware that the Marine Corps has stated a need to
conduct additional testing with the United Kingdom and the Army to
address at-sea environment concerns. The committee recommends an
increase of $3.2 million in PE 63635M for the lightweight 155mm
howitzer.
The committee recommends that the Secretary of the Army expedite
development of the fire control system for the lightweight 155mm towed
howitzer, within available funds, so that it will be incorporated from
the beginning of lightweight 155mm production.
Advanced battery technology
The budget request contained $23.9 million in PE 62705A for
electronics and electronic devices.
The committee notes that the Army and other services have identified
a steady growth in requirements for affordable higher performance energy
storage devices. The committee also notes that industrial development
efforts are maturing a wide array of new battery technologies, including
bi-polar wafer cell nickel-metal hydride technology. This emerging power
supply technology offers significant improvements in storage/weight and
discharge characteristics that are needed to meet emerging defense
needs.
The committee notes that the Army is the designated executive agent
for development of power supply technologies and recommends $23.9
million in PE 62705A for electronics and electronic devices, of which
$1.0 million shall be available for development of bi-polar wafer cell
nickel-metal hydride technology.
Aircrew coordination training
The budget request contained $3.1 million in PE 63007A for manpower,
personnel, and training, but included no funding for aircrew
coordination training (ACT).
The committee notes with concern the adverse trend in the Army
aviation safety record and strongly supports efforts such as the ACT
program to enhance flight safety. The committee recommends $6.1 million
in PE 63007A, an increase of $3.0 million for aircrew coordination
training.
Apache Longbow focused modernization program
The budget request contained $95.8 million in PE 23744A for aircraft
modification and product improvement, but included no funds for a
focused Apache Longbow modernization program.
The committee is aware that despite the significant capability of the
Apache Longbow, some component systems within the Apache fleet have not
been modernized as part of the Longbow program. Several of these
systems, based on older technology, are responsible for escalating
operation and maintenance costs, and reduced overall aircraft
performance.
The committee recommends an increase of $18.4 million in PE 23744A
for a focused Apache Longbow modernization effort as part of the Army's
aviation modernization program.
Army tactical unmanned aerial vehicles
The budget request contained $29.4 million in PE 35204A for tactical
unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAV).
The committee notes that the Army just completed a successful
competitive selection for an off-the-shelf TUAV. The committee notes
that the Army will place increasing reliance on its TUAV and needs to
field the best possible system including sensors.
The committee recommends $33.4 million in PE 35204A, an increase of
$4.0 million for preplanned product improvements and sensor development.
Breacher system
The budget request contained no funds in PE 64649A or for the
procurement of the Breacher system.
The Breacher, an M 1 Abrams tank chassis-based vehicle, will be used
by combat engineers to clear minefields and complex obstacles on the
forward edge of the battlefield. This vehicle is designed to replace
several other existing breaching systems and provides increased
capability to maneuver with the armor forces it supports.
Although the committee understands that the Breacher was terminated
to fund Army transformation priorities, the committee notes that this
system is the second highest unfunded modernization requirement
identified by the Army Chief of Staff in fiscal year 2001.
The committee believes that termination of the Breacher was
shortsighted, and therefore recommends an increase of $59.6 million in
PE 64649A to complete engineering and manufacturing development and
$20.0 million in procurement to begin production line facilitization.
Chinook helicopter modification and improvement
The budget request contained $95.8 million in PE 23744A for aircraft
modification and product improvement programs, including $37.2 million
for other CH 47F Chinook improved cargo helicopter (ICH), but included
no funds for the CH 47D Chinook helicopter product improvements.
The committee notes that the CH 47F Chinook improved cargo helicopter
program will upgrade engines, airframe and avionics of approximately 300
CH 47D Chinook helicopters. The committee is aware that the Army plans
to protect helicopters, including the ICH, from the serious threat posed
by infrared guided missiles by acquiring the Advanced Threat Infrared
Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS) that
includes portions of the existing joint service ALE 47 programmable
countermeasure dispenser. However, the committee is aware that the
ATIRCM/CMWS development is delayed and the system may not be available
for several years. The committee believes it is unsatisfactory for the
Army to delay procurement of the proven ALE 47 countermeasure system
while awaiting ATIRCM/CMWS.
Therefore, the committee directs the Army to include the ALE 47
programmable countermeasure dispensers as part of the ICH program. The
committee supports the ICH program; however, the committee also notes
that many CH 47D models require additional product improvement to
address aging and part obsolescence issues that threaten near-term
flight worthiness. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army to
assess the need to establish a funded Chinook product improvement
program and report the results of the assessment including levels of
funding required to the congressional defense committees with the
submission of the fiscal year 2002 budget request.
Comanche
The budget request contained $614.0 million in PE 64223A for Comanche.
The committee notes that the Comanche remains the Army's highest
aviation modernization priority, and that the Secretary of the Army has
requested an additional $48.2 million over last year's forecast in order
to accelerate Comanche development. The committee notes that the
Department of Defense has recently reviewed the Comanche program and
determined that the program has successfully achieved all program exit
criteria required before entry into engineering and manufacturing
development (EMD). The committee is aware, however, that final
approval for EMD is pending while the Army assesses out-year acquisition
funding for Comanche.
The committee supports Comanche and strongly endorses the commitment
made by the Army to accelerate this program. While total out-year
procurement for major programs is an important issue, the committee
believes the Army has made every effort to accelerate this program
within the inadequate modernization funding allowed by the Department of
Defense, and strongly recommends that the Secretary of Defense grant
immediate approval for Comanche's entry into EMD. This program
represents the only viable solution to meet the requirement for a
stealthy, rapidly deployable, and highly capable armed reconnaissance
aircraft to support the Army's recently approved aviation modernization
plan. The committee believes the requirement and the urgency for the
Comanche has been more than adequately justified and entry into the EMD
phase of the program should not be delayed pending discussions of the
total planned procurement or annual rate.
The committee recommends the budget request, and supports earliest
possible entry into EMD.
Combat identification dismounted soldier (CIDDS)
The budget request contained $5.4 million in PE 64817A for CIDDS.
The committee is aware that CIDDS will allow an individual soldier to
identify quickly friendly forces and thus reduce the incidence of
fratricide.
The committee continues to support strongly all efforts to reduce
fratricide and, therefore, to enhance the capability of the dismounted
soldier to positively identify a target as friend or foe, recommends
$10.4 million in PE 64817A, an increase of $5.0 million.
Combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser
The budget request contained $20.5 million in PE 62709A for night
vision technology, but included no funds for the combustion-driven
eye-safe self-powered laser.
The committee notes that the combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered
laser offers the potential to field a three-dimensional identification
friend or foe system capable of identifying aircraft and vehicle threat
systems in real-time.
The committee recommends $25.5 million in PE 62709A, an increase of
$5.0 million for the combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser.
Common ground station
The budget request contained $17.9 million in PE 64770A for continued
development of the Army's Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar
System (Joint STARS) Common Ground Station, including $2.0 million to
develop the Army's Distributed Common Ground Station (DCGS-A). The
budget request also contained $5.9 million for development of a
wide-band data link to provide connectivity to the Joint STARS next
generation capability.
The committee notes that the DCGS A effort duplicates that being
conducted within the Army's Tactical Exploitation of National
Capabilities program. Further, the committee notes that the Air Force
has not determined the next generation Joint STARS data link and will
not do so until at least fiscal year 2002. Therefore, the committee
believes it premature for the Army to begin design or development work
for such communications connectivity.
For these reasons, the committee recommends a decrease of $7.9
million in this PE 64770A to the DCGS A program.
Communications and networking technologies
The budget request contained $49.3 million in PE 64805A for
communications, command and control engineering and manufacturing
development.
The committee notes that communications and networking technologies
are critical to command and control, precision strike, intelligence
dissemination, logistics and day-to-day business operations throughout
the joint commands, military services and supporting defense agencies.
The committee recognizes that the most advanced technological
developments in these areas are emerging from commercial industry and
are driven by the rapid evolution of the commercial markets. The
committee believes that the Department must capitalize on the rapid
progress being made in the commercial sector and identify, assess, adapt
and integrate state-of-the-art commercial communications and networking
technologies to achieve the goal of Information Superiority established
by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Joint Vision 2010. The
committee also believes that there are significant gains to be made by
leveraging information technology developments from the commercial
sector for the benefit of government users, through cooperative research
and development of technologies that promise significant gains in both
civil and military capabilities, and through training government
personnel in these rapidly evolving technologies.
Therefore, the committee recommends $62.3 million in PE 64805A, an
increase of $13.0 million to accelerate on-going programs for the
development and application of commercial information technologies for
defense purposes and to foster cooperative and complementary information
technology research and development programs. The committee recommends
that the Secretary of the Army work with the Assistant Secretary of
Defense (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence)
to insure the applicability of the increased program to the overall
Defense communications architecture.
Defense manufacturing technology
The budget request contained a total of $149.1 million for the
manufacturing technology (ManTech) program, including $29.3 million in
PE 78045A, $59.6 million in PE 78011N, $53.1 million in PE 78011F, and
$7.1 million in PE 78011S.
The committee notes the progress by the Joint Defense Manufacturing
Technology Panel (JDMTP) in developing an overarching strategy for the
ManTech program that focuses on defense-essential requirements, involves
prospective users of the technology, ensures prioritization of projects,
and plans for transition of ManTech projects to the ultimate user of the
technology. The committee also notes the progress toward achieving
congressional guidelines on program funding levels, particularly in the
Army. The total budget request for Department of Defense ManTech
represents an increase of $16.0 million above the previous year, and the
five-year ManTech plan projects an 11 percent increase through fiscal
year 2005, with the Army program increasing $71.2 million and stable
budget projections for the Navy, Air Force, and Defense Logistics
Agency. The positive funding trend will permit the establishment of new
ManTech initiatives in critical defense technologies.
The committee notes the increasing use of thick composite structures
in rotary wing aircraft and other applications by all the military
departments and encourages increased emphasis on the development of
advanced manufacturing technologies for such composite structures.
The committee supports a continuing program in munitions
manufacturing technology and expects that munitions manufacturing
technology projects will compete for funding on an equal basis with
other manufacturing technologies.
The committee also notes that the Army, Navy, and Air Force are
developing methods to accelerate insertion of emerging
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology into tactical systems
to meet precision navigation and guidance requirements. The objective of
the initiative is to develop and demonstrate low cost manufacturing
processes for emerging MEMS technologies that will enable the production
of affordable MEMS-based inertial sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes
for tactical weapons. The committee directs the Secretary of the Defense
to establish a Tri-Service initiative for the development of affordable
MEMS manufacturing technology, and recommends that the funding for the
program be provided in the Army's ManTech program.
The committee recommends $39.3 million in PE 78045A for the Army's
manufacturing technology program, an increase of $ 10.0 million. The
committee recommends $69.6 million in PE 78011N, an increase of $10.0
million for the Navy's ManTech program. As noted elsewhere in this
report, the committee has recommended an increase of $4.5 million in PE
78011F for the development of manufacturing technology for specialty
aerospace metals.
Emergency preparedness training
The budget request contained no funds for emergency preparedness
training research and development.
The committee notes the progress in development of advanced
distributed learning programs for chemical and biological preparedness
and consequence management response training for the Army's designated
Civil Support Teams and other elements of the Reserve Components.
The committee recommends a $3.0 million in PE 23610A to continue the
development for selected Reserve Component forces of training programs
for response to and management of the consequences of potential
terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction.
Future combat system
The budget request contained $148.1 million in PE 63005A for combat
vehicle and automotive advanced technology, including funding for
efforts supporting the future combat system (FCS).
The committee is aware that the Army has begun the process, through
the FCS initiative, to transform the Army into a more strategically
responsive force that is dominant at every point across the full
spectrum of operations. The committee notes that the cornerstone of this
aggressive transformation effort would begin in fiscal year 2001 with
the partnership between the Army and the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) to incorporate the most promising, new, reaching
technologies into a family of future combat systems.
The committee notes that, while DARPA has ongoing work in many
technology areas, these efforts have not been focused on solving Army
identified problems or advancing technologies applicable to the future
combat system. The committee believes that DARPA should dedicate more
funding to the Army FCS program and other high priority requirements
identified by the services.
The committee strongly supports the future combat system development
and notes that there is an urgent requirement to provide additional
funding at the program onset to allow a more inclusive and robust
concept definition phase that will enable as many participants as
possible to explore innovative solutions for the future combat system.
The committee is also aware that additional efforts focused on
technology development in the areas such as robotics, precision weapons,
active protection and signature control are needed.
Therefore the committee recommends an increase of $46.0 million in PE
63005A for the future combat system.
The committee notes that the joint United States-United Kingdom
Future Scout and Cavalry System (FSCS) program is developing leap-ahead
technology for future ground systems. Both nations are contributing
funding and technology to a program regarded as an excellent example of
cooperation between allies and the Army has indicated that it needs the
technology from FSCS to support development of the Future Combat System.
The committee is disturbed by the Army's elimination of funding for
the FSCS engineering manufacturing development phase. The committee
believes that the FSCS is an essential collaborative program that should
continue in order to develop and demonstrate key technologies on which
to build the family of future combat vehicles. The committee believes
that industry should be encouraged to continue its significant private
venture funding and that will only occur if the FSCS consortia can
identify a firm connection between FSCS and FCS. The committee therefore
directs the Secretary of the Army to report to the congressional defense
committees on how the Army will sustain the joint FSCS program to
develop and demonstrate key technologies applicable to the future family
of combat systems, no later than December 31, 2000.
Future rotorcraft technologies
The budget request contained $31.1 million in PE 62211A for aviation
advanced technology, but included no funds to support the initiative to
focus technology for the future generation of rotorcraft.
The committee notes that despite a clear need for modern, efficient,
capable rotorcraft, no focused program exists to develop the enabling
technologies for more efficient, affordable rotorcraft in the future.
The committee recommends $33.1 million in PE 62211A, an increase of
$2.0 million for future rotorcraft technologies and directs the
Secretary of the Army to establish a focused program to develop
technologies critical for the future rotorcraft.
Guardrail common sensor
The budget request contained $95.8 million in PE 23744A for aircraft
modifications and product improvement programs, including $11.3 million
for continued development and modification of the Army's Guardrail
Common Sensor aircraft and ground stations.
The committee notes that the Guardrail System 2 was recently
delivered to the Army after nearly ten years of modification.
Unfortunately, this system was returned without upgrades to permit the
dissemination of tactical intelligence information via the Tactical
Information Broadcast Service (TIBS). TIBS is the baseline for the
Integrated Broadcast Service that is the DOD-mandated worldwide tactical
intelligence dissemination service.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 23744A to
install the TIBS capability in the final Guardrail system.
Helmet mounted infrared sensor development
The budget request contained $33.3 million in PE 63710A for night
vision technology.
The committee is aware that the Army has initiated development of a
prototype helmet mounted infrared sensor system to support the
warfighter that has been demonstrated to significantly improve
situational awareness in all weather/environmental conditions. This
technology has direct applicability to Department of Defense and
civilian firefighting personnel and increases safety and effectiveness
for firefighting in smoke filled environments as well as for search and
rescue.
The committee recommends $37.1 million in PE 63710A, an increase of
$3.8 million for helmet mounted infrared sensor development.
High-energy laser test facility
The budget request contained $14.5 million in PE 65605A for the
Department of Defense (DOD) high-energy laser system test facility
(HELSTF).
The committee notes the recent release of the congressionally
directed DOD high-energy laser master plan and identification of a need
for increased investment in solid-state laser technology. The committee
is aware that HELSTF has contributed significantly to the development of
high-power lasers, and will continue to provide unique capabilities for
research, development, test and evaluation of high-power laser systems.
The committee supports the DOD high-energy laser master plan and the
selection of the Army as lead in solid-state laser development and
recommends $19.5 million in PE 65605A, an increase of $5.0 million for
HELSTF.
Hypersonic wind tunnels
The budget request contained $47.2 million in PE 62303A for missile
technology, but included no funds for modernization of the hypersonic
wind tunnels at the Aero-optics Evaluation Center (AOEC)
The committee notes that upgrading the hypersonic wind tunnel
diagnostics and instrumentation will provide enhanced testing
capabilities for key ballistic missile defense programs, including Navy
Area Defense, the Atmospheric Interceptor Technology project, and the
Army's scramjet technology program.
The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62303A to
upgrade hypersonic wind tunnels.
Integrated inertial measurement unit-geo-positioning system
The budget request contained $47.2 million in PE 62303A for missile
technology, including funds for integrated guidance systems.
The committee notes that the development of a highly integrated,
jam-proof, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based inertial
measuring unit-geo positioning system (IMU GPS) is critical to achieving
the goal of affordable precision fire and forget weapons. The most
demanding application for this capability is the 155mm projectile for
Army and Navy applications. The committee is aware that: (1) recent Army
flight tests have demonstrated significant progress and shown that the
goal is achievable and (2) a development plan has been established to
produce a suitable system in approximately three years. The committee
further notes that this program also offers potentially significant cost
growth and technical problem solutions to Navy fire support programs,
and the use of IMU GPS systems by both the Army and Navy could result in
billions of dollars of savings for the Department of Defense.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE
62303A for continued development of an integrated IMU-GPS.
Land information warfare activity
The budget request contained $8.1 million in PE 33140A for the
information systems security program.
The committee notes that the Army's land information warfare activity
(LIWA) continues to develop a state-of-the-art capability for
information security and analysis, and that the Department of Defense
(DOD) has recently acknowledged the importance of this new capability to
DOD information assurance efforts.
The committee supports the Department of Defense efforts to establish
such capability, and supports completion of the LIWA, including tests of
that capability for Army and other entities to ensure that this
potential capability is thoroughly evaluated.
Therefore, the committee recommends $11.9 million, an increase of
$3.8 million in PE 33140A for continued development and enhancement of
the Army's land information warfare activity.
Medical errors reduction research
The budget request contained $15.8 million in PE 62716A for human
factors engineering technology, but included no funds for the medical
errors reduction research program (MERRP).
The committee notes that MEERP is an extension of the previous
emergency teams coordination (MEDTEAMS) program to reduce medical errors
in operating rooms, intensive care units and other hospital activities
and will expand that effort from the emergency department to advanced
life support protocols.
The committee recommends $19.5 million in PE 62716A, an increase of
$3.7 million for MERRP.
Mobile tactical high energy laser
The budget request contained $12.6 million in PE 63308A for Army
missile defense systems, but included no funds for mobile tactical high
energy laser development.
The committee is aware that the Army has determined a need for a
mobile directed energy air defense system. The committee understands
that one alternate being explored is the evolution of the stationary
tactical high energy laser (THEL) being developed for Israel. A mobile
THEL for the U.S. Army would require further development of key elements
such as solid-state laser development, compact power sources, and a
lightweight acquisition, tracking and beam direction system.
The committee recommends $17.6 million in PE 63308A, an increase of
$5.0 million for mobile tactical high energy laser development.
National automotive center-university innovative research
The budget request contained $148.1 million in PE 63005A for combat
vehicle and automotive advanced technology.
The committee is aware that the national automotive center (NAC) has
supported efforts by various universities to perform research in a
number of innovative technologies to solve current ground vehicle
problems and pioneer a new generation of lighter, more efficient ground
vehicles. Areas of innovation include propulsion and power sources,
ultra lightweight structures and advanced materials, supported by
innovative modeling and simulation.
The committee supports efforts of the NAC to take advantage of
university expertise and recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE
63005A for NAC-university innovative research.
Passive millimeter wave camera
The budget request contained $20.7 million in PE 62120A for sensors
and electronic survivability, but included no funds for the passive
millimeter wave camera.
The committee is aware that passive millimeter wave camera technology
offers a weather-penetrating alternative to shorter wavelength infrared
thermal imaging cameras.
The committee recommends $24.7 million in PE 62120A, an increase of
$4.0 million for passive millimeter wave camera development.
Real-time heart rate variability
The budget request contained $75.7 million in PE 62787A for medical
technology, but included no funds for real-time heart rate variability.
The committee notes that heart rate variability technology offers the
potential for enhancing assessment of disease and trauma. This
technology provides the capability for emergency response personnel in
trauma environments to detect injury severity, physiological stress and
potential for survival.
The committee supports development of real-time heart rate
variability technology to enhance trauma victim survivability, and
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62787A for real-time heart
rate variability technology.
Semi-automated imagery processor
The budget request contained $57.4 million in PE 64766A for Tactical
Exploitation of National Capabilities, including development of the
semi-automated imagery processor (SAIP).
The SAIP will provide the Department's limited number of imagery
analysts with an automated target recognition assistance capability,
which will greatly improve their productivity. Accordingly, the
committee recommends $60.4 million in PE 64766A, an increase of $3.0
million, for continued development and fielding of the SAIP.
Starstreak
The budget request contained $28.8 million in PE 63003A for aviation
advanced technology, but included no funds to complete flight test of
the Starstreak missile.
The committee continues to support the requirement for Starstreak
testing mandated by in the Defense Appropriations Act, 1999 (Public Law
105 262) that required an Apache Longbow side-by-side test between the
Starstreak missile and the Stinger missile. The committee notes the Army
has announced its intention to begin the tests and that the Ministry of
Defense of the United Kingdom is providing the Starstreak missiles for
testing.
The committee recommends $28.8 million in PE 63003A, the budget
request, and recommends initiation of the planned side-by-side testing.
Surveillance control data link (SCDL)
The budget request contained $17.9 million in PE 64770A for
improvements to the Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System
(Joint STARS) ground stations, but no funds were included for the Joint
STARS SCDL System Improvement Program (SIP).
The committee notes the proven success of the Joint STARS system in
both Operations Desert Storm and Joint Endeavor. A key feature of Joint
STARS is the secure, encrypted, anti-jam SCDL. The SCDL links the Air
Force's E 8 Joint STARS aircraft to the Army's Joint STARS common ground
stations (CGS), enabling real-time data transfer of radar imagery
intelligence data and command and control information between the
aircraft and ground stations.
The committee has provided increases for phases one and two of the
three-phrase SIP in prior years. These phases eliminated CGS common data
terminal (CDT) obsolete parts and updated older circuit boards with
state-of-the-art, software-based array boards, resulting in an increased
data transfer rate while reducing component cost, size, weight, and
power requirements. The committee understands that the Army requires
funds to complete phase three of the SCDL SIP, which would further
improve interoperability through performance testing of the CDT.
Based on the increased reliability and improved performance of
earlier SIP upgrades, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million in PE 64770A to complete the SCDL SIP phase three engineering
effort.
Thermal fluid based combat feeding system
The budget request contained $13.6 million in PE 63747A for soldier
support and survivability, and included $3.4 million for food and food
systems.
The committee notes that a modern central heat unit co-generation
kitchen has been developed to replace the existing field kitchen. The
committee is aware that this kitchen uses diesel type fuel rather than
the more flammable gasoline that has been the primary source of the
longstanding fire hazards in existing field kitchens.
The committee supports rapid introduction of this modern, safer
kitchen, and recommends $15.1 million in PE 63747A, an increase of $1.5
million for fabrication and field testing of the thermal fluid based
combat feeding system.
Trajectory correctable munitions
The budget request contained $29.7 million in PE 63004A for weapons
and munitions advanced technology.
The committee notes that the United States and Sweden have entered
into a Memorandum of Understanding to demonstrate a 155mm trajectory
correctable munition (TCM), which employs a new technology to achieve
precision indirect fire support. The committee also notes that
development of this munition is on schedule and recent firing tests have
successfully demonstrated achievement of key milestones.
The committee recommends $37.2 million in PE 63004A, an increase of
$7.5 million, and urges the Department of Defense to complete testing of
the TCM round.
Volumetrically controlled manufacturing technology
The budget request contained $75.7 million in PE 62787A for medical
technology applied research.
The committee recalls that the Defense Appropriations Act, 1997
(Public Law 105 56) provided $2.5 million in PE 62787A for the
development of a prototype artificial hip using multidimensional,
volumetrically controlled manufacturing of synthetic materials. The
appropriation supported the first phase of a two-year, two-phase project
to develop an optimized hip stem for orthopedic implants that would
address the structural failure of implants in current use.
In the statement of managers which accompanied the conference report
on S. 1059 (H. Rept. 106 301), the conferees stated that they were
encouraged by the progress made in the program at the U.S. Army Medical
Research and Materiel Command and the establishment of a mathematical
foundation for advancing synthetic material development from
two-dimensional processes to real-time, three-dimensional manufacturing.
The process has the potential to eliminate the current mode of failure
of conventional composite materials, namely delamination and
polymer-fiber interface breakdown, and has potential applications in
aerospace and other manufacturing.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62787A to
continue the program for development of multi-dimensional volumetrically
controlled manufacturing technology at the U.S. Army Medical Research
and Material Command.
NAVY RDT&E
OVERVIEW
The budget request contained $8,476.7 million for Navy RDT&E. The
committee recommends authorization of $8,834.5 million, an increase of
$357.8 million.
The committee recommendations for the fiscal year 2000 Navy RDT&E
program are identified in the table below. Major changes to the Navy
request are discussed following the table.
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ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle
The budget request contained $138.0 million in PE 63611M for the
Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAV).
The AAAV is one of the highest priority Marine Corps modernization
programs and is essential to the Marine Corps' ability to implement its
operational maneuver from the sea doctrine.
The committee believes that an additional engineering manufacturing
development AAAV test vehicle would significantly enhance reliability
testing, software maturation and other efforts designed to reduce
life-cycle costs. Therefore, the committee recommends $165.5 million, an
increase of $27.5 million in PE 63611M for this purpose.
Advanced anti-radiation guided missile
The budget request contained $21.4 million in PE25601N for
operational systems development of improvements to the High-Speed
Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) system, including $9.0 million to continue
the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) project.
The AARGM project is a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research
(SBIR) program to develop and demonstrate a dual-mode guidance section
on a HARM airframe. Program objectives are to demonstrate an effective,
affordable, and lethal suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD)
capability against mobile, relocatable, or fixed air defense threats in
the presence of potential air defense radar emitter shutdown or other
anti-radiation missile countermeasures.
The AARGM technology demonstration program is an outgrowth of a Phase
I and Phase II competitive SBIR program, which successfully demonstrated
the feasibility of a dual-mode seeker to address anti-radiation missile
countermeasures. The dual-mode technology under development in the AARGM
program has demonstrated high potential to solve the problem of target
radar ``shut-down'' not only for HARM, the primary SEAD weapon, but also
for application in other missile airframes. The committee notes the
progress made in the program and the delivery of advanced ARRGM seeker
hardware for development test and evaluation at the Naval Air Weapons
Center, China Lake, California. The committee also notes the application
of AARGM technology being considered in the Quick Bolt advanced concept
technology demonstration.
The committee recommends a $26.4 million in PE 25601N, an increase of
$5.0 million to continue risk reduction, test, and other field
activities to prepare for a potential Milestone II decision to enter
engineering and manufacturing development. The committee directs the
Secretary of the Navy to report to the congressional defense committees
on the results of the developmental testing of the ARRGM seeker and the
Navy's plans for further development of the AARGM with the submission of
the fiscal year 2002 budget request.
Advanced deployable system
The budget request contained $20.7 million in PE 64784N for the
advanced deployable system (ADS). The ADS is a surveillance system for
use in littoral waters and restricted waterways that can be rapidly
deployed in time of crisis to provide a submarine detection and tracking
capability to U.S. Naval forces.
The committee notes the ADS program is transitioning to the
engineering and manufacturing development phase and has consistently met
or exceeded schedule and cost milestones. The committee supports
leveraging the early success of the ADS program by accelerating the
development of enhanced capabilities for the system.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $30.7 million in PE 64784N, an
increase of $10.0 million, for the ADS to accelerate the development of
advanced, long-life sensors for trip-wire arrays, increased mine
detection capabilities, and enhanced automation.
Advanced technology demonstrations and fleet battle experiments
The budget request contained $76.3 million in PE 63792N for the
Navy's advanced technology transition program to demonstrate
technologies that could significantly improve the warfighting
capabilities of the fleet and joint forces and provide the opportunity
to identify and move emerging technologies quickly and efficiently from
the laboratory to the fleet.
The committee notes the role of the Navy Warfare Development Command
in developing Navy operational concepts and doctrine, identifying
required operational capabilities, focusing research and development
issues, maturing innovative concepts in naval, joint, and coalition
warfare for evaluation in fleet battle experiments, and designing,
planning, and evaluating the experiments. The committee is aware that
fleet battle experiments have provided a test bed for validation of Navy
doctrine and operational concepts, assessment of innovative technologies
and concepts, and identification of some of the operational, tactical,
and technical challenges that will be faced by the fleet in the future.
The committee also notes the role that the Navy's science and
technology program performs by focusing on the long-term objective of
enabling future naval capabilities, science and technology developments
that are critical to ensuring naval superiority, and the demonstration
of affordable technology for transition to the fleet. The committee
encourages the Office of Naval Research, the Navy Secretariat, and the
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to facilitate this strategy by
ensuring a close working relationship between the Office of Naval
Research, the Navy Warfare Development Command, and the numbered fleets.
Elsewhere in this report the committee notes the Navy's progress in
concept evaluation of a littoral warfare fast patrol craft and the
significant advances in logistics support, surveillance, communications
and fire support that such a craft could provide for naval forces in
littoral environments, and recommends increased funding for prototype
craft that would permit demonstration of the operational concept in
fleet battle experiments and other exercises.
The committee notes recommendations from the Defense Science Board
for improvements in tactical mobility and intratheater lift and
recommendations for demonstration of high speed, fast shuttle sealift
and advanced amphibious capabilities for movement of forces and
logistical support within the theater and of other capabilities in
future fleet battle experiments. The committee encourages the Navy to
support such activities from available funds.
Advanced waterjet propulsor
The budget request contained $244.4 million for in PE 63513N for
shipboard systems component development, but included no funds for
advanced water jet technology.
The committee report on H. R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162) noted proposals
for a quarter-scale at-sea demonstration and cavitation tunnel testing
of an advanced waterjet propulsor (AWJ 21) to validate critical
performance criteria and potential application of the propulsor to the
DD 21 land attack destroyer or other naval ships. The report urged the
Secretary of the Navy to assess the requirement for further development,
demonstration, and evaluation of advanced waterjet propulsor technology
and to provide recommendations regarding the demonstration, a program
execution plan, and Navy funding for the program.
On December 1, 1999, the Secretary reported that the Navy's AWJ 21
technology demonstration plan had developed hydrodynamic performance
prediction and critical performance measurement capabilities for
advanced waterjet concepts, and that the knowledge and capability
generated will be provided to both DD 21 industry teams determining the
suitability of the AWJ 21 for use on DD 21. The report stated that a
separate Navy-funded advanced waterjet development and large-scale
demonstration program would be inappropriate because it could be viewed
as Government endorsement of a specific propulsor solution and
subverting the DD 21 acquisition strategy (in which the industry team is
given full responsibility for recommending a total ship design for the
DD 21). The report stated further that development of the AWJ 21 system
by the DD 21 program is dependent upon a decision by the winning DD 21
industry team to include the AWJ 21 propulsion concept in their design.
The report concluded that there is currently no Navy operational
requirement that requires the use of an advanced waterjet propulsor and
recommended no further development of advanced waterjet technology at
this time.
Accordingly, the committee encourages the Navy to ensure that
advanced water jet technology is given all appropriate consideration.
Aircraft survivability study
The budget request contained $7.5 million in PE 63216N for aircraft
survivability demonstration and validation.
The committee is aware that the population of aircrew and passengers
permitted on board military aircraft includes both female and male
personnel, and is concerned about the ability of crash protective
seating systems to provide adequate protection to occupants of lighter
weight and smaller stature.
The committee recommends an increase of $500,000 in PE 63216N to
determine and assess the potential for increased injury risk to female
operators and passengers in the Navy's helicopter fleet.
Aviation depot maintenance technology
The budget request contained $62.2 million in PE 63721N for
environmental protection.
The committee notes that new environmentally friendly repair
processes are being developed that offer significant productivity
improvements and potential cost savings. To this end, Congress provided
increased funding in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 for the development and
demonstration of aviation depot maintenance technologies that will
significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs and reduce or
eliminate hazardous waste and pollution products.
The committees recommends $63.9 million in PE 63721N, an increase of
$1.75 million to continue the program for demonstration of advanced
maintenance technologies for application of tungsten carbide coatings to
aircraft landing gear and hydraulic components.
Aviation modernization plan
The committee notes recent reports that the Office of the Chief of
Naval Operations is considering a major revision of naval aviation plans
which would remove aircraft from inventory, cancel future aircraft
systems concepts, and reconfigure the carrier air wing in order to
develop an affordable modernization plan for naval aviation. The reports
indicate that the recommendations contained in the ``Common Vision for
Naval Aviation'' would be implemented beginning with the Navy's budget
request for fiscal year 2002. The committee understands that the
following alternatives are being considered:
(1) Replacement of the EA 6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft by
2010 with an electronic warfare aircraft follow-on;
(2) Retirement of the F 14 Tomcat strike-fighter aircraft by 2008;
(3) Service life extension of the C 2 Grayhound Tracker carrier
onboard delivery aircraft;
(4) Retirement of the S 3B Viking antisubmarine warfare aircraft by
2008 and its mission replacement by a combination of P 3C Orion maritime
patrol aircraft and SH 60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopter;
(5) Replacement of the S 3B Viking in its tanker role by F/A 18E/F
fighter aircraft with a aircraft refueling capability;
(6) Service life extension of the P 3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft;
(7) Service life extension of the EP 3E Aries electronic
surveillance aircraft;
(8) Cancellation of the concept of a common support aircraft that
would combine the mission of the E 2C Hawkeye airborne early warning
aircraft with the missions of the S 3 Viking and C 2 Greyhound aircraft;
(9) Delay introduction of a multi-mission maritime aircraft to
replace the P 3C Orion and EP 3E Aries to no later than 2015; and
(10) Reduction of the number of strike aircraft in a carrier air
wing from 56 to 50.
The committee commends the Navy for its initiative in developing a
long-term plan for naval aviation that attempts to meet the challenges
of affordability and effectiveness in a budget constrained environment.
The committee recognizes the issues of current and future operational
requirements, current force capabilities, personnel, training, research
and development, procurement, logistics, and estimated funding available
that must be considered in developing such a plan. The committee notes
that the Navy's plan is not complete and was not available during the
committee's review of the budget request.
The committee urges the Secretary of the Navy to provide information
on the Navy's revised aviation modernization plan to the congressional
defense committees at the earliest opportunity to ensure adequate
opportunity f