National policy Statement

DOD Funding for Basic Research

Effective April 19, 2002

Department of Defense (DOD) investments in research and development have paid significant dividends since the end of the Second World War. In recent decades, the high-tech capability of the United States has been key to achieving military objectives, managing overseas conflicts, and carrying out humanitarian operations rapidly at large scale, and has played an important role in economic development. Today's array of military technologies - including precision munitions, global positioning systems, stealth and night-vision - were the result of a long-term DOD commitment to basic and applied research, carried out under the "6.1" and "6.2" programs. These programs, which draw heavily on the talents of the university community, must maintain robust funding for the technological advantage that the American military has relied on over several decades to persist and for continued civilian and military benefits to be realized. Tomorrow's military capabilities depend heavily on the R&D choices the public makes today. Investments in the 6.1 and 6.2 programs are the seed for future civilian and defense technologies and must be increased. Long-term basic research programs must not be sacrificed for short-term expediency.

The review process for any statement may be started at any time if deemed necessary by the Panel on Public Affairs, and at least once every five years.

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