The Process and Politics of Defense Acquisition: A Reference Handbook

(Hardback)

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The United States government invests billions each year on equipping armed forces with the most advanced military equipment. The root of the American defense acquisition system is driven by a combination of national interests and domestic political requirements. While fundamentally the defense acquisition system has produced results for the United States military, improvements are needed in order to continue to move forward in advancing military tactics and technology. Exploring both the systemic and political levels of the system, Sorenson argues that the United States will fall behind if the current defense acquisition system is not reformed. This book brings together elements of this complicated system, such as national security requirements, and the changes that are needed in both the structural and political pillars. A combination of political interests and the needs of the military, serviced by an ever-shrinking defense industry, make a genuine acquisition reform even more difficult, resulting in reform that is more symbolic than genuine.

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Sorenson (international security studies, US Air War College) explains the complex system that supplies armaments and equipment to the US arms forces and foreign customers. He covers the evolution and current status of American defense acquisition process, the defense industrial base, the politics of weapons acquisitions, international arms sales, and reforming the process. Company profiles and primary documents are appended. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

David S. Sorenson is professor of international security studies at the U.S. Air War College.