Budget Request includes $76 Billion in Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation

February 2, 2010 - President Barack Obama today sent to Congress a proposed Defense budget for fiscal 2011 that includes over $76 billion in research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). The RDT&E budget proposal includes Army ($10.4 billion), Navy ($17.7 billion), Air Force ($27.5 billion), and the Defense Agencies ($20.8 billion).

This proposal continues the reform agenda established in last year’s DoD budget request and builds on the initiatives identified by the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). The QDR assesses the threats and challenges that the nation faces and re-balances DoD’s strategies, capabilities, and forces to ensure the U.S. military has the flexibility to address today’s conflicts and tomorrow’s threats.

“The choices made and priorities set in these budget requests and strategic defense reviews reflect America’s commitment to succeed in the wars we are in while making the investments necessary to prepare for threats on or beyond the horizon,” said Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Here are several highlights for the RDT&E proposal:

• Funds robust science and technology program, particularly basic research and applied research

• Fully funds Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) development

• Restructures the Brigade Combat Team Modernization Program to retain and accelerate the spin out technology enhancements to combat brigades

• Funds rotary wing survivability improvements

• Continues research into Ballistic Missile Defense technologies

• Invests in next generation long-range strike capability

• Continues investment in next generation SSBN submarine

• Funds $864 million in research and development for the new aerial tanker

• The budget proposal also also invests $1.1 billion for the treatment, care, and research of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Psychological Health issues such as the development of tools to detect and treat Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and enhancements to suicide prevention measures.

For more information, visit the Defense Department 2011 Budget Request.

Dr. John Ohab is a new technology strategist at the Defense Media Activity.