Chapter II. Science and Technology Integration With Army XXI
Army Science and Technology Master Plan (ASTMP 1997)

A. Requirements Determination

For the past three years, the Army has explored new ways to determine requirements. No longer can we afford, fiscally or otherwise, to determine requirements based on deficiencies identified between our capabilities and those of the former Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact.

We now determine requirements more holistically based on desired Joint and Army capabilities versus known deficiencies. We are not trying to perfect yesterday's shortfalls; rather, we are anticipating tomorrow's required capabilities. This is being driven by warfighting concepts focused on the future and experimentation in our battle labs to discern viable requirements. Our new way of doing business recognizes that requirements can evolve from several means: TRADOC schools, battle labs, other MACOMs, the Force XXI Joint Venture, and field commanders. All employ variations of the same process but with different levels of senior leader involvement. More leader involvement reduces requirements decision timelines. Ultimately though, TRADOC school commandants define, document, and defend DTLOMS requirements. (See Figure II-1.)

The requirements determination process begins with a holistic future warfighting concept. This concept is formed from a wide variety of inputs, including the national security and military strategies, lessons learned from recent operational experiences, and future conflict scenarios. Additionally, the concept is influenced, but not driven, by an appreciation of future science and technology (S&T) possibilities. This overarching concept is the basis for operations and functional concepts addressing the full spectrum of Army operations and functions. Together, the warfighting concepts are the Army's "blueprint" for determining DTLOMS requirements across the combined arms and services team. Requirements not related to this blueprint are not and will not be resourced.

No requirement is determined in isolation. Senior leaders make requirements decisions based on an understanding of all potential requirements, cost goals, and their impact on the operational force. We will not abandon the search for potential "silver bullets," but we can no longer expect performance at any cost -- we just cannot afford everything we want. With cost as an independent variable, the preferred solution will include an affordable life cycle cost.

Determining requirements is just the first of many steps or activities leading to the desired future warfighting capability. After the TRADOC Commander approves them, organization, materiel, and soldier requirements are sent to DA for final action. After this, the requirements are resourced, solutions are selected, and then capabilities are fielded. TRADOC retains defined doctrine, training, and leader development requirements for resourcing and solution development.