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Calendar No. 402
104th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 104-267
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997
REPORT
[to accompany s. 1745]
on
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997 FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AND FOR
DEFENSE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, TO PRESCRIBE PERSONNEL
STRENGTHS FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ARMED FORCES, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
__________
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
<GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
May 13, 1996.--Ordered to be printed
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997
Calendar No. 402
104th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 104-267
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997
REPORT
[to accompany s. 1745]
on
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997 FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AND FOR
DEFENSE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, TO PRESCRIBE PERSONNEL
STRENGTHS FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ARMED FORCES, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
__________
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
May 13, 1996.--Ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
(104th Congress, 2d Session)
STROM THURMOND, South Carolina,
Chairman
SAM NUNN, Georgia JOHN W. WARNER, Virginia
J. JAMES EXON, Nebraska WILLIAM S. COHEN, Maine
CARL LEVIN, Michigan JOHN McCAIN, Arizona
EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Massachusetts TRENT LOTT, Mississippi
JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico DAN COATS, Indiana
JOHN GLENN, Ohio BOB SMITH, New Hampshire
ROBERT C. BYRD, West Virginia DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Idaho
CHARLES S. ROBB, Virginia KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas
JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN, Connecticut JAMES M. INHOFE, Oklahoma
RICHARD H. BRYAN, Nevada RICK SANTORUM, Pennsylvania
Les Brownlee, Staff Director
Arnold L. Punaro, Staff Director
for the Minority
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Purpose of the bill.............................................. 1
Committee overview and recommendations........................... 2
Explanation of funding summary................................... 4
Division A--Department of Defense Authorization
Title I--Procurement............................................. 11
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 12
Section 107. Chemical demilitarization program........... 12
Chemical Demilitarization Program.................... 12
Subtitle B--Army Programs.................................... 13
Section 112. Army assistance for chemical
demilitarization citizens advisory commissions......... 24
Other Army Programs.......................................... 24
Army aircraft............................................ 24
C-XX medium range aircraft........................... 24
AH-64 Apache modifications........................... 24
CH-47 modifications.................................. 24
AH-64D attack helicopter............................. 25
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior................................. 25
Aircraft survivability equipment..................... 25
Army missile............................................. 25
Javelin medium anti-tank weapon...................... 25
Multiple Launch Rocket System rocket................. 26
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launcher........ 26
Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)................ 26
Patriot modifications................................ 27
Stinger missile modifications........................ 27
Avenger modifications................................ 27
TOW modifications.................................... 27
Dragon missile....................................... 28
Weapons and tracked combat vehicles...................... 28
Bradley fighting vehicle............................. 28
Field artillery ammunition support vehicle (FAASV)... 28
Carrier modifications (M113)......................... 28
M109A6 Paladin....................................... 29
Field artillery ammunition supply vehicle (FAASV)
product improvement program (PIP) to fleet......... 29
Improved Recovery Vehicle............................ 29
M1 Abrams tank (modifications)....................... 29
Small arms programs.................................. 30
Army ammunition.......................................... 30
Procurement of ammunition--Army...................... 30
Armament retooling and manufacturing support (ARMS).. 31
Other army procurement................................... 31
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)... 31
Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)............ 31
Family of heavy tactical vehicles (FHTV)............. 32
Enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS).. 32
SINCGARS family...................................... 32
Army communications.................................. 32
All source analysis system (ASAS).................... 33
Forward area air defense (FAAD) ground based sensor.. 33
Night vision devices................................. 33
Advanced field artillery tactical data system
(AFATDS)........................................... 34
Total distribution system............................ 34
Standard integrated command post system.............. 34
Inland petroleum distribution system................. 34
Construction equipment, items less than $2.0 million. 35
Base level communications equipment.................. 35
Subtitle C--Navy Programs.................................... 36
Section 121. EA-6B aircraft reactive jammer program...... 53
Section 122. Penguin missile program..................... 55
Section 123. Nuclear attack submarine programs........... 56
Section 124. Arleigh Burke class destroyer program....... 57
Other Navy Programs.......................................... 59
Navy aircraft............................................ 59
AV-8B remanufacture.................................. 59
F/A-18C/D............................................ 59
MV-22................................................ 59
Flight simulators.................................... 60
Restoration of E-2C procurement...................... 60
Airborne self-protection jammer (ASPJ)............... 60
Helicopter crash attenuating seats................... 61
Vertical replenishment helicopter replacement program 61
P-3 intelligence support............................. 61
P-3C anti-surface warfare improvement program........ 62
Navy weapons............................................. 63
Tomahawk land attack missile......................... 63
Standard missile procurement......................... 64
Navy and Marine Corps ammunition......................... 64
Procurement of ammunition--Marine Corps.............. 64
Navy shipbuilding and conversion......................... 64
Seawolf submarine.................................... 64
LPD-17 class amphibious ships........................ 65
Oceanographic survey ship............................ 66
SWATH oceanographic research ship.................... 66
Other Navy procurement................................... 66
WSN-7 inertial navigation system..................... 66
Mine warfare......................................... 67
AN/BPS-16 submarine navigation radar................. 68
Surface ship torpedo defense......................... 68
Shipboard integrated communications system........... 69
Challenge Athena..................................... 69
Global broadcast..................................... 70
Rolling air frame missile launcher for LSD-52........ 71
Afloat planning system............................... 71
NULKA decoy development.............................. 72
Elevated causeway (modular).......................... 72
Oceanographic equipment.............................. 73
Marine Corps Procurement................................. 73
Marine Corps Javelin missile......................... 73
AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radar........................... 73
Joint task force deployable communications support... 74
Intelligence upgrades................................ 74
Telecommunications infrastructure.................... 74
Marine Corps combat operations centers............... 75
Marine Corps common end user computer equipment...... 75
Mobility enhancements................................ 75
Multiple integrated laser engagement system.......... 75
Combat vehicle appended trainer (CVAT)............... 76
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs............................... 77
Section 131. Multiyear contracting authority for the C-17
aircraft program....................................... 88
Other Air Force Programs..................................... 88
Air Force aircraft....................................... 88
B-2.................................................. 88
F-16................................................. 88
C-17 airlift aircraft................................ 89
WC-130J acquisition.................................. 89
Joint primary aircraft training system (JPATS)....... 90
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System
(JSTARS)........................................... 91
B-1B bomb modules.................................... 91
SR-71................................................ 91
AWACS re-engining.................................... 92
Satellite communications terminals................... 92
RC-135 re-engining................................... 92
Rivet Joint technology transfer...................... 92
KC-135 simulators.................................... 93
Aircraft budget exhibits............................. 93
Air Force missile........................................ 93
Precision guided munitions........................... 93
Space boosters....................................... 94
Air Force ammunition..................................... 94
Procurement of ammunition--Air Force................. 94
Other Air Force procurement.............................. 95
60K Loader........................................... 95
Joint force air component commander situational
awareness system................................... 95
Defense-Wide Programs........................................ 96
Defense-wide............................................. 101
Common automatic recovery system..................... 101
C-130 aircraft modifications......................... 101
Advanced SEAL delivery system........................ 101
Special mission radio system......................... 102
SCAMPI communications system......................... 102
Briefcase multi-mission advanced tactical terminal... 102
Procurement of ammunition--Special Operations........ 102
Other items of interest.................................. 103
Individual body armor................................ 103
Procurement of recycled ammunition................... 103
C-130 remanufacture prototyping...................... 104
Predator UAV leasing................................. 104
National Guard and Reserve procurement reports....... 105
Title II--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation............ 107
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 111
Section 203. Defense nuclear agency...................... 111
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations................................................ 113
Section 211. Space launch modernization.................. 113
Section 212. Department of Defense Space Architect....... 113
Section 213. Space-based infrared system program......... 113
Section 214. Research for advanced submarine technology.. 114
Section 215. Clementine 2 micro-satellite development
program................................................ 115
Section 217. (Includes Sections 216 and 217) Defense
airborne reconnaissance program........................ 115
Section 218. Cost analysis of F-22 aircraft program...... 118
Section 219. F-22 aircraft program....................... 119
Section 220. Nonlethal weapons and technologies programs. 120
Section 221. Counterproliferation support program........ 122
Section 222. Federally funded research and development
centers and university-affiliated research centers..... 125
Subtitle C--Ballistic Missile Defense........................ 125
Section 231. United States compliance policy regarding
development, testing, and deployment of theater missile
defense systems........................................ 125
Section 232. Prohibition on use of funds to implement an
international agreement concerning theater missile
defense systems........................................ 127
Section 233. Conversion of ABM Treaty to multilateral
treaty................................................. 127
Section 234. Funding for upper tier theater missile
defense systems........................................ 127
Section 235. Elimination of requirements for certain
items to be included in the annual report on the
ballistic missile defense program...................... 128
Subtitle D--Other Matters.................................... 128
Section 241. Live-fire survivability testing of F-22
aircraft............................................... 128
Section 242. Live-fire survivability testing of V-22
aircraft............................................... 128
Subtitle E--National Oceanographic Partnership............... 128
Section 252. Matters relating to oceanographic
partnership............................................ 128
Additional Matters........................................... 131
Army..................................................... 131
Basic research programs.............................. 137
High modulus polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber.... 137
Hardened materials................................... 137
Liquid propellant technology......................... 137
Military engineering technology...................... 138
Wave net technology.................................. 138
Nautilus/Tactical High Energy Laser Program.......... 138
Missile and rocket advanced technology............... 138
Land mine detection technologies..................... 139
Battle Integration Center............................ 139
Next tank research and development................... 139
Night vision systems advanced development............ 140
Combat service support control system (CSSC)......... 140
Comanche helicopter.................................. 140
Javelin medium anti-tank weapon...................... 141
Heavy assault bridge................................. 141
Air defense command, control, & intelligence (C2I)... 141
Brilliant Anti-armor Technology (BAT) submunition.... 142
Longbow development/night vision systems............. 142
High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility.............. 142
Combat vehicle improvement program................... 143
Improved Cargo Helicopter............................ 143
Force XXI digitization............................... 143
Air Defense Alerting Device (ADAD)................... 144
Missile/air defense product improvement program...... 144
Other missile product improvement programs........... 144
Force XXI initiatives................................ 145
Navy..................................................... 146
Continuous wave superconducting radio frequency free
electron laser..................................... 152
Power electronic building blocks..................... 152
Materials, electronics and computer technology....... 152
Undersea weapons technology.......................... 152
Navy affordability initiative........................ 153
Project M............................................ 153
Environmentally compliant torpedo fuel............... 153
Integrated combat weapons system..................... 154
Research for advanced submarine technology........... 154
Submarine towed array processing software............ 157
Aircraft carrier research and development............ 157
Navy surface combatant............................... 158
Intercooled recuperated gas turbine engine........... 158
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle.................. 159
Lightweight 155MM howitzer program................... 159
``Smart Base'' technology demonstration.............. 159
Cooperative engagement capability.................... 160
Naval surface fire support........................... 160
Strike missile evaluation............................ 161
Light airborne multi-purpose system helicopter
program............................................ 162
Joint maritime command information system/Navy
tactical command system-afloat..................... 162
Smart Ship initiative................................ 163
Arsenal Ship......................................... 163
AQS-20 airborne minehunting sonar.................... 165
Airborne mine detection systems...................... 165
Multi-purpose processor.............................. 167
Seawolf shock test................................... 167
Infrared search and track............................ 168
Evolved sea sparrow missile.......................... 168
Quick reaction combat capability..................... 168
Fixed distributed system-1........................... 169
RDT&E science and technology management.............. 169
Sea Dragon initiative................................ 169
Nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine security. 169
Joint tactical combat training system................ 170
CINCs'' technology initiative........................ 170
Medium tactical vehicle remanufacturing.............. 170
GEOSAT follow-on..................................... 170
Manufacturing technology (MANTECH)................... 171
Acquisition center of excellence..................... 172
Air Force................................................ 173
Carbon/carbon nosetips............................... 179
Ejection seat development............................ 179
Thermally stable jet fuels........................... 179
High frequency active auroral research program....... 180
Airborne laser program............................... 180
National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental
Satellite System................................... 180
Joint Advanced Strike Technology Program............. 181
Hardened and deeply buried target technology
demonstration...................................... 181
B-1 bomber virtual umbilical device.................. 181
B-1B upgrades........................................ 181
Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft
(VISTA)............................................ 182
Milstar automated communication management system.... 182
Global Positioning System............................ 182
Minuteman third stage upgrade........................ 182
Minuteman safety enhanced reentry vehicle............ 183
Rocket System Launch Program......................... 183
Data links........................................... 183
Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS)....... 184
Blade repair program................................. 184
Defense-Wide............................................. 185
Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive
research (DEPSCoR)................................. 190
Small low-cost interceptor device.................... 190
Hard carbon-based coatings........................... 190
High temperature superconductivity................... 190
Diamond substrates................................... 191
Joint Department of Defense-Department of Energy
munitions.......................................... 191
Cruise missile defense funding....................... 191
Large millimeter wave telescope...................... 192
Crown royal.......................................... 193
Thermophotovoltaics.................................. 193
Generic logistics R&D technology demonstrations...... 193
Rapid acquisition of manufactured parts (RAMP)....... 193
Integrated weapons system database................... 193
High performance computing modernization............. 194
Defense dual-use applications program................ 194
Non-acoustic antisubmarine warfare................... 195
Fuel cells........................................... 196
Commercial technology insertion program.............. 196
Ballistic missile defense funding and programmatic
guidance........................................... 196
Data review and analysis monitoring aid.............. 203
Advanced SEAL delivery system........................ 203
M4A1 Carbine INOD, Special Operations Command........ 204
AC-130 aircraft enhancements, Special Operations
Command............................................ 204
Other Items of Interest...................................... 204
Battle group airborne anti-submarine warfare............. 204
FFG-7 modernization...................................... 205
Integrated ship control systems.......................... 205
CV-22.................................................... 207
Parametric airborne dipping sonar........................ 208
National automotive center............................... 208
National Solar Observatory............................... 209
United States-Japan management training.................. 209
Totally integrated munitions enterprise (TIME)........... 209
Strategic deterrent development capability............... 210
Post-boost propulsion for strategic delivery systems..... 210
Chemical-biological defense program...................... 210
Title III--Operation and Maintenance............................. 215
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 245
Section 304. Transfer from National Defense Stockpile
Transaction Fund....................................... 245
Section 305. Civil Air Patrol............................ 245
Section 306. SR-71 contingency reconnaissance force...... 245
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations................................................ 245
Section 311. Funding for second and third maritime
prepositioning ships out of National Defense Sealift
Fund................................................... 249
Section 312. National Defense Sealift Fund............... 249
Section 313. Nonlethal weapons capabilities.............. 249
Section 314. Restriction on Coast Guard funding.......... 249
Subtitle C--Depot-Level Activities........................... 249
(Sections 321-330--Department of Defense depot
maintenance and repair services)....................... 249
Subtitle D--Environmental Provisions......................... 254
Section 341. Establishment of separate environmental
restoration transfer accounts for each military
department............................................. 254
Section 342. Defense contractors covered by requirement
for reports on contractor reimbursement costs for
response actions....................................... 254
Section 343. Repeal of redundant notification and
consultation requirements regarding remedial
investigations and feasibility studies at certain
installations to be closed under the base closure laws. 255
Section 344. Payment of certain stipulated civil
penalties.............................................. 255
Section 345. Authority to withhold listing of Federal
facilities on National Priorities List................. 256
Section 346. Authority to transfer contaminated Federal
property before completion of required remedial actions 257
Section 347. Clarification of meaning of uncontaminated
property for purposes of transfer by the United States. 258
Section 348. Shipboard solid waste control............... 258
Section 349. Cooperative agreements for the management of
cultural resources on military installations........... 260
Section 350. Report on withdrawal of public lands at El
Centro Naval Air Facility, California.................. 260
Section 351. Use of hunting and fishing permit fees
collected at closed military reservations.............. 260
Subtitle E--Other Matters.................................... 260
Section 361. Firefighting and security-guard functions at
facilities leased by the Government.................... 260
Section 362. Authorized use of recruiting funds.......... 261
Section 363. Noncompetitive procurement of brand-name
commercial items for resale in commissary stores....... 261
Section 364. Administration of midshipmen's store and
other Naval Academy support activities as
nonappropriated fund instrumentalities................. 261
Section 365. Assistance to committees involved in
inauguration of the President.......................... 261
Section 366. Department of Defense support for sporting
events................................................. 262
Section 367. Renovation of building for Defense Finance
and Accounting Service Center, Fort Benjamin Harrison,
Indiana................................................ 262
Additional Matters of Interest............................... 263
Army..................................................... 263
Army strategic mobility.............................. 263
Ammunition management................................ 263
End Item Materiel Management Program................. 263
Power Projection C4I................................. 264
Navy..................................................... 264
Intermediate maintenance............................. 264
Ship depot maintenance............................... 264
Active and reserve component P-3 squadrons........... 264
Marine Corps............................................. 265
Personnel support equipment.......................... 265
Corrosion prevention and control..................... 265
Ammunition rework.................................... 265
Joint task force headquarters deployable
communications support............................. 265
Commandant's warfighting laboratory.................. 266
Air Force................................................ 266
AWACS Extend Sentry.................................. 266
Air Force depot maintenance.......................... 266
Defense-Wide............................................. 266
Homeless support initiative.......................... 266
Federal Energy Management Program.................... 267
Office of the Secretary of Defense................... 267
Civilian personnel levels............................ 267
Real property maintenance............................ 267
Operation and maintenance, Special Operations Command 268
Other items of interest.................................. 268
United States Army marksmanship units................ 268
Quality of Life and the Military Traffic Management
Command's Re-engineering Personal Property
Initiative Pilot Program........................... 269
Aquifer study at Fallon Naval Air Station............ 270
Exclusion of uncontaminated parcels from the national
priorities list.................................... 270
Kaho'olawe cleanup................................... 271
Proposed reduction of the current permissible
exposure level for manganese....................... 271
Defense Commissary Agency designation as a
Performance Based Organization..................... 272
Electronic warfare squadrons......................... 272
Revolving funds.......................................... 273
Reliability, Maintainability and Sustainability
Program (RM&S)..................................... 273
Advance billing in Defense Business Operating Fund... 273
National defense features............................ 273
National defense reserve fleet....................... 274
Maritime training ship............................... 275
Title IV--Military Personnel Authorizations...................... 277
Subtitle A--Active Forces.................................... 277
Section 401. End strengths for active forces............. 277
Section 402. Temporary flexibility relating to permanent
end strength levels.................................... 278
Section 403. Authorized strengths for commissioned
officers in grades O-4, O-5, and O-6................... 278
Section 404. Extension of requirement for recommendations
regarding appointments to joint 4-star officer
positions.............................................. 278
Section 405. Increase in authorized number of general
officers on active duty in the Marine Corps............ 279
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces...................................
Section 411. End strengths for Selected Reserve.......... 279
Section 412. End strengths for Reserves on active duty in
support of the reserves................................ 280
Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 280
Section 421. Authorization of appropriations for military
personnel.............................................. 280
Title V--Military Personnel Policy............................... 283
Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy......................... 283
Section 501. Extension of authority for temporary
promotions for certain Navy lieutenants with critical
skills................................................. 283
Section 502. Exception to baccalaureate degree
requirement for appointment in the Naval Reserve in
grades above O-2....................................... 283
Section 503. Time for award of degrees by unaccredited
educational institutions for graduates to be considered
educationally qualified for appointment as reserve
officers in grade O-3.................................. 283
Section 504. Chief Warrant Officer promotions............ 283
Section 505. Frequency of periodic report on promotion
rates of officers currently or formerly serving in
joint duty assignments................................. 284
Subtitle B--Matters Relating to Reserve Components........... 284
Section 511. Clarification of definition of active status 284
Section 512. Amendments to Reserve Officer Personnel
Management Act provisions.............................. 284
Section 513. Repeal of requirement for physical
examinations of members of National Guard called into
federal service........................................ 284
Section 514. Authority for a Reserve on active duty to
waive retirement sanctuary............................. 284
Section 515. Retirement of Reserves disabled by injury or
disease incurred or aggravated during overnight stay
between inactive duty training periods................. 285
Section 516. Reserve credit for participation in the
Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance
Program................................................ 285
Section 517. Report on guard and reserve force structure. 285
Subtitle C--Officer Education Programs....................... 285
Section 521. Increased age limit on appointment as a
cadet or midshipman in the Senior Reserve Officers'
Training Corps and the service academies............... 285
Section 522. Demonstration project for instruction and
support of Army ROTC units by members of the Army
Reserve and National Guard............................. 286
Subtitle D--Other Matters.................................... 286
Section 531. Retirement at grade to which selected for
promotion when a physical disability is found at any
physical examination................................... 286
Section 532. Limitations on recall of retired members to
active duty............................................ 286
Section 533. Disability coverage for officers granted
excess leave for educational purposes.................. 286
Section 534. Uniform policy regarding retention of
members who are permanently nonworldwide assignable.... 287
Section 535. Authority to extend period for enlistment in
regular component under the delayed entry program...... 287
Section 536. Career service reenlistments for members
with at least 10 years of service...................... 287
Section 537. Revisions to missing persons authorities.... 287
Section 538. Inapplicability of Soldiers' and Sailors'
Civil Relief Act of 1940 to the period of limitations
for filing claims for corrections of military records.. 288
Section 539. Medal of honor for certain African-American
soldiers who served in World War II.................... 288
Subtitle E--Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.. 288
Section 561. Applicability to Public Health Service of
prohibition on crediting cadet or midshipmen service at
the service academies.................................. 288
Section 562. Exception to grade limitations for Public
Health Service officers assigned to the Department of
Defense................................................ 289
Subtitle F--Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification,
Conversion, and Stabilization.............................. 289
Section 571. Authority to expand law enforcement
placement program to include firefighters.............. 289
Section 572. Troops-to-teachers program improvements
(Also refer to Section 1122)........................... 289
Subtitle G--Armed Forces Retirement Home..................... 289
Section 582. Acceptance of uncompensated services........ 290
Section 583. Disposal of real property................... 290
Section 584. Matters concerning personnel................ 290
Section 585. Fees for residents.......................... 291
Section 586. Authorization of appropriations............. 291
Other items of interest...................................... 292
Legislative fellows from the Department of Defense....... 292
Relocation assistance programs........................... 293
Review of opportunities for ordering individual reserves
to active duty with their consent...................... 293
Title VI--Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits.............. 295
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances............................... 295
Section 601. Military pay raise for fiscal year 1997..... 295
Section 602. Rate of cadet and midshipman pay............ 295
Section 603. Pay of senior noncommissioned officers while
hospitalized........................................... 295
Section 604. Basic allowance for quarters for members
assigned to sea duty................................... 296
Section 605. Uniform applicability of discretion to deny
an election not to occupy government quarters.......... 296
Section 606. Family separation allowance for members
separated by military orders from spouses who are
members................................................ 296
Section 607. Waiver of time limitations for claim for pay
and allowances......................................... 296
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays........... 297
Section 611. Extension of certain bonuses for reserve
forces................................................. 297
Section 612. Extension of certain bonuses and special pay
for nurse officer candidates, registered nurses, and
nurse anesthetists..................................... 297
Section 613. Extension of authority relating to payment
of other bonuses and special pays...................... 297
Section 614. Increased special pay for dental officers of
the armed forces....................................... 297
Section 615. Retention special pay for Public Health
Service optometrists................................... 297
Section 616. Special pay for nonphysician health care
providers in the Public Health Service................. 298
Section 617. Foreign language proficiency pay for Public
Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration officers................................ 298
Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances............. 298
Section 621. Round trip travel allowances for shipping
motor vehicles at government expense................... 298
Section 622. Option to store instead of transport a
privately-owned vehicle at the expense of the United
States................................................. 298
Section 623. Deferral of travel with travel and
transportation allowances in connection with leave
between consecutive overseas tours..................... 298
Section 624. Funding for transportation of household
effects of Public Health Service officers.............. 299
Subtitle D--Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and Related
Matters.................................................... 299
Section 631. Effective date for military retiree cost-of-
living adjustment for Fiscal Year 1998................. 299
Section 632. Allotment of retired or retainer pay........ 299
Section 633. Cost-of-living increases in SBP
contributions to be effective concurrently with payment
of related retired pay cost-of-living increases........ 299
Section 634. Annuities for certain military surviving
spouses................................................ 299
Section 635. Adjusted annual income limitation applicable
to eligibility for income supplement for certain widows
of members of the uniformed services................... 299
Subtitle E--Other Matters.................................... 300
Section 641. Reimbursement for adoption expenses incurred
in adoptions through private placements................ 300
Section 642. Waiver of recoupment of amounts withheld for
tax purposes from certain separation pay received by
involuntarily separated members and former members of
the armed forces....................................... 300
Other Items of Interest.................................. 300
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay Qualification....... 300
Special Duty Assignment Pay, Army Special Operations
personnel.......................................... 301
Title VII--Health Care Provisions................................ 303
Section 701. Implementation of requirement for Selected
Reserve dental insurance plan.......................... 303
Section 702. Dental insurance plan for military retirees
and certain dependents................................. 303
Section 703. Uniform Composite Health Care System
software............................................... 303
Section 704. Clarification of applicability of CHAMPUS
payment rules to private CHAMPUS providers for care
provided to enrollees in health care plans of uniformed
services treatment facilities.......................... 304
Section 705. Enhancement of third party collection and
secondary payer authorities under CHAMPUS.............. 304
Section 706. Codification of authority to credit CHAMPUS
collections to program accounts........................ 304
Section 707. Comptroller General review of health care
activities of the Department of Defense relating to
Persian Gulf Illnesses................................. 304
Other Items of Interest.................................. 305
Portability and reciprocity for TRICARE Prime
enrollees across regions........................... 305
Continuation of support for telemedicine initiatives. 306
Study of the extension of the Federal Employees
Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) option to military
retirees........................................... 306
Centers for Prisoners of War Studies................. 306
Dental readiness..................................... 307
Title VIII--Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and
Related Matters................................................
Section 801. Procurement technical assistance programs... 309
Section 802. Extension of pilot mentor-protege program... 309
Section 803. Modification of authority to carry out
certain prototype projects............................. 309
Section 804. Revisions to the program for the assessment
of the national defense technology and industrial base. 309
Section 805. Procurements to be made from small arms
industrial base firms.................................. 310
Section 806. Exception to prohibition on procurement of
foreign goods.......................................... 310
Section 807. Treatment of Department of Defense cable
television franchise agreements........................ 310
Section 808. Remedies for reprisals against contractor
employee whistleblowers................................ 311
Section 809. Implementation of information technology
management reform...................................... 311
Other Items of Interest.................................. 312
Procurement goals for small business concerns owned
by women........................................... 312
Economy Act transfer regulatory implementation....... 313
Research projects: transactions other than contracts
and grants......................................... 313
Title IX--Department of Defense Organization and Management...... 315
Subtitle A--General Matters.................................. 315
Section 901. Repeal of reorganization of the Office of
the Secretary of Defense............................... 315
Section 902. Codification of requirements relating to
continued operation of the Uniformed Services
University of the Health Sciences...................... 315
Section 903. Codification of requirement for United
States Army Reserve Command............................ 316
Section 904. Transfer of authority to control
transportation systems in time of war.................. 316
Section 905. Executive oversight of defense human
intelligence personnel................................. 316
Section 906. Coordination of defense intelligence
programs and activities................................ 316
Section 907. Redesignation of Office of Naval Records and
History Fund and correction of related references...... 316
Subtitle B--National Imagery and Mapping Agency.............. 317
(Sections 911-934--Matters relating to National Imagery
and Mapping)........................................... 317
Title X--General Provisions...................................... 321
Subtitle A--Financial Matters................................ 321
Section 1003. Authorization of prior emergency
supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 1996....... 321
Section 1004. Use of funds transferred to the Coast Guard 321
Section 1005. Use of military-to-military contacts funds
for professional military education and training....... 321
Section 1006. Payment of certain expenses relating to
humanitarian and civic assistance...................... 321
Section 1007. Prohibition on expenditure of Department of
Defense funds by officials outside the department...... 322
Section 1008. Prohibition on use of funds for Office of
Naval Intelligence representation or related activities 322
Section 1009. Reimbursement of Department of Defense for
costs of disaster assistance provided outside the
United States.......................................... 322
Section 1010. Fisher House Trust Fund for the Navy....... 322
Section 1011. Designation and liability of disbursing and
certifying officials for the Coast Guard............... 323
Section 1012. Authority to suspend or terminate
collection actions against deceased members of the
Coast Guard............................................ 323
Section 1013. Check cashing and exchange transactions
with credit unions outside the United States........... 323
Subtitle B--Naval Vessels and Shipyards...................... 323
Section 1021. Authority to transfer naval vessels........ 323
Section 1022. Transfer of certain obsolete tugboats of
the Navy............................................... 324
Section 1023. Repeal of requirement for continuous
applicability of contracts for phased maintenance of AE
class ships............................................ 324
Section 1024. Contract options for LMSR vessels.......... 324
Subtitle C--Counter-Drug Activities..........................
(Sections 1031-1033--Drug interdiction and counterdrug
activities)............................................ 325
Subtitle D--Matters Relating to Foreign Countries............ 328
Section 1041. Agreements for exchange of defense
personnel between the United States and foreign
countries.............................................. 328
Section 1042. Authority for reciprocal exchange of
personnel between the United States and foreign
countries for flight training.......................... 329
Section 1043. Extension of counterproliferation
authorities............................................ 329
Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements............. 329
Section 1051. Annual report on emerging operational
concepts............................................... 329
Section 1052. Annual joint warfighting science and
technology plan........................................ 329
Section 1053. Report on military readiness requirements
of the Armed Forces.................................... 330
Subtitle F--Other Matters.................................... 331
Section 1061. Uniform Code of Military Justice amendments 331
Section 1062. Limitation on retirement or dismantlement
of strategic nuclear delivery systems.................. 331
Section 1063. Correction of references to Department of
Defense organizations.................................. 332
Section 1064. Authority of certain members of the Armed
Forces to perform notarial or consular acts............ 332
Section 1065. Training of members of the uniformed
services at non-Government facilities.................. 332
Section 1066. Third-party liability to United States for
tortious infliction of injury or disease on members of
the uniformed services................................. 332
Section 1067. Display of State flags at installations and
facilities of the Department of Defense................ 332
Section 1068. George C Marshall European Center for
Strategic Security Studies............................. 333
Section 1069. Authority to award to civilian participants
in the defense of Pearl Harbor the congressional medal
previously authorized only for military participants in
the defense of Pearl Harbor............................ 333
Section 1070. Michael O'Callaghan Federal Hospital, Las
Vegas, Nevada.......................................... 333
Section 1071. Naming of building at the Uniformed
Services University of the Health Sciences............. 333
Other items of interest...................................... 333
Support for the Young Marines program................ 333
Support services at the Port of Haifa................ 334
U.S.-Asian military-to-military dialogue............. 334
Implementation of arms control agreements............ 335
Title XI--Department of Defense Civilian Personnel............... 337
Subtitle A--Personnel Management, Pay and, Allowances........ 337
Section 1101. Scope of requirement for conversion of
military positions to civilian positions............... 337
Section 1102. Retention of civilian employee positions at
military training bases transferred to National Guard.. 337
Section 1103. Clarification of limitation on furnishing
clothing or paying a uniform allowance to enlisted
National Guard technicians............................. 337
Section 1104. Travel expenses and health care for
civilian employees of the Department of Defense abroad. 337
Section 1105. Travel, transportation, and relocation
allowances for certain former nonappropriated fund
employees.............................................. 337
Section 1106. Employment and salary practices applicable
to Department of Defense overseas teachers............. 338
Section 1107. Employment and compensation of civilian
faculty members at certain Department of Defense
schools................................................ 338
Section 1108. Reimbursement of Department of Defense
domestic dependent school board members for certain
expenses............................................... 338
Section 1109. Extension of authority for civilian
employees of Department of Defense to participate
voluntarily in reductions in force..................... 338
Section 1110. Compensatory time off for overtime work
performed by wage-board employees...................... 338
Section 1111. Liquidation of restored annual leave that
remains unused upon transfer of employee from
installation being closed or realigned................. 338
Section 1112. Waiver of requirement for repayment of
voluntary separation incentive pay by former Department
of Defense employees reemployed by the Government
without pay............................................ 339
Section 1113. Federal holiday observance rules for
Department of Defense employees........................ 339
Section 1114. Revision of certain travel management
authorities............................................ 339
Subtitle B--Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification,
Conversion, and Stabilization.............................. 339
Section 1121. Pilot programs for defense employees
converted to contractor employees due to privatization
at closed military installations....................... 339
Section 1122. Troops-to-teachers program improvements
applied to civilian personnel. (Refer to Section 572).. 341
Other Items of Interest.................................. 341
Flexible, compressed and alternative schedules....... 341
Authority to conduct civilian personnel demonstration
projects........................................... 341
Title XII--Federal Charter for the Fleet Reserve Association..... 343
(Sections 1201-1216--Matters relating to the Federal
Charter for the Fleet Reserve Association)............. 343
Division B--Military Construction Authorizations
Title XXV--North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment
Program........................................................ 375
Section 2503. Redesignation of North Atlantic Treaty
Organization Infrastructure program........................ 375
Title XXVIII--General Provisions................................. 377
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and Military Family
Housing Changes............................................ 377
Section 2801. Increase in certain thresholds for
unspecified minor construction projects................ 377
Section 2802. Clarification of authority to improve
military family housing................................ 377
Section 2803. Authority to grant easements for rights-of-
way.................................................... 377
Subtitle B--Defense Base Closure and Realignment............. 377
Section 2811. Restoration of authority under 1988 base
closure law to transfer property and facilities to
other entities in the Department of Defense............ 377
Section 2812. Disposition of proceeds from disposal of
commissary stores and nonappropriated fund
instrumentalities at installations being closed or
realigned.............................................. 378
Section 2813. Agreements for services at installations
after closure.......................................... 378
Subtitle C--Land Conveyances................................. 378
Section 2821. Transfer of lands, Arlington National
Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.......................... 378
Section 2822. Land transfer, Potomac Annex, District of
Columbia............................................... 379
Section 2823. Land conveyance, Army Reserve Center,
Montpelier, Vermont.................................... 379
Section 2824. Land conveyance, former Naval Reserve
Facility, Lewes, Delaware.............................. 379
Section 2825. Land conveyance, Radar Bomb Scoring Site,
Belle Fourche, South Dakota............................ 379
Section 2826. Conveyance of primate research complex,
Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.................... 380
Section 2827. Demonstration project for installation and
operation of electric power distribution system at
Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio................... 380
Other Items of Interest.................................. 381
Improvements to military family housing units, Army.. 381
Planning and design, Army............................ 381
Report on the Fort Lawton Joint Armed Forces Reserve
Center, Seattle, Washington........................ 381
Improvements to military family housing units, Navy.. 381
Planning and design, Navy............................ 381
Improvements to military family housing units, Air
Force.............................................. 381
Planning and design, Air Force Family Housing
Construction....................................... 382
Availability of funds for credit to Defense Military
Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund............. 382
Naval Air Station Sigonella.......................... 382
Report on the implementation of the Hawaiian Home
Lands Recovery Act................................. 382
Planning and design, Guard and Reserve forces
facilities......................................... 383
Division C--Department of Energy National Security Authorizations
and Other Authorizations
Title XXXI--Department of Energy National Security Programs...... 385
Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations........ 403
Section 3101. Weapons activities......................... 403
Section 3102. Environmental restoration and waste
management............................................. 404
Section 3103. Other defense activities................... 405
Section 3104. Defense nuclear waste disposal............. 407
Subtitle C--Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and
Limitations................................................ 407
Section 3131. Tritium production......................... 407
Section 3132. Modernization and consolidation of tritium
recycling facilities................................... 408
Section 3133. Modification of requirements for
manufacturing infrastructure for refabrication and
certification of nuclear weapons stockpile............. 408
Section 3134. Limitation on use of funds for certain
research and development purposes...................... 408
Section 3135. Accelerated schedule for isolating high-
level nuclear waste at the Defense Waste Processing
Facility, Savannah River Site.......................... 409
Section 3136. Processing of high-level nuclear waste and
spent nuclear fuel rods................................ 409
Section 3137. Fellowship program for development of
skills critical to Department of Energy nuclear weapons
complex................................................ 410
Subtitle D--Other Matters.................................... 410
Section 3151. Requirement for annual five-year budget for
the national security programs of the Department of
Energy................................................. 410
Section 3152. Requirements for Department of Energy
weapons activities budgets for fiscal years after
fiscal year 1997....................................... 411
Section 3153. Repeal of requirement relating to
accounting procedures for Department of Energy funds... 411
Section 3154. Plans for activities to process nuclear
materials and clean up nuclear waste at the Savannah
River Site............................................. 411
Section 3155. Update of report on nuclear test readiness
postures............................................... 412
Section 3156. Reports on critical difficulties at nuclear
weapons laboratories and nuclear weapons production
plants................................................. 412
Section 3157. Extension of applicability of notice-and-
wait requirement regarding proposed cooperation
agreements............................................. 413
Section 3158. Redesignation of Defense Environmental
Restoration and Waste Management Program as Defense
Nuclear Waste Management Program....................... 413
Section 3159. Commission on Maintaining United States
Nuclear Weapons Expertise.............................. 413
Section 3160. Sense of Senate regarding reliability and
safety of remaining nuclear forces..................... 413
Other items of interest.................................. 414
Department of Energy work force reduction plan........... 414
Accelerating radioactive waste cleanup................... 415
Title XXXII--Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board............. 417
Section 3201. Authorization.............................. 417
Title XXXIII--National Defense Stockpile.........................
Section 3301. Authorized uses of stockpile funds......... 419
Title XXXIV--Naval Petroleum Reserves............................ 421
Title XXXV--Panama Canal Commission.............................. 423
Legislative Requirements..................................... 425
Departmental Recommendations................................. 425
Committee Action............................................. 425
Fiscal Data.................................................. 426
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.................... 428
Regulatory Impact............................................ 428
Changes in Existing Law...................................... 428
Additional views of Senator William S. Cohen................. 429
Additional views of Senator John McCain...................... 433
Additional views of Senator Bob Smith........................ 438
Additional views of Senator Carl Levin....................... 440
Additional views of Senator Edward M. Kennedy................ 448
Additional views of Senator John Glenn....................... 450
Additional views of Senator Joseph I. Lieberman.............. 454
104th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 104-267
_______________________________________________________________________
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AND FOR
DEFENSE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, TO PRESCRIBE PERSONNEL
STRENGTHS FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ARMED FORCES, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
_______
May 13, 1996.--Ordered to be printed
_______________________________________________________________________
Mr. Thurmond, from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany S. 1745]
Committee overview and recommendations
As the committee continued to carry out its legislative
responsibilities for the 104th Congress pursuant to the
Senate's rules and constitutional powers, the Chairman and the
Members established priorities to guide the committee through
the authorization process for fiscal year 1997.
Finally, and importantly, the committee sought to
accelerate development and deployment of missile defense
systems to protect U.S. and allied forces against the growing
threat of cruise and ballistic missiles. Accordingly, this bill
supports expeditious deployment of land- and sea-based theater
missile defense systems. The committee also makes clear that
the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty of 1972 does not apply
to the theater missile defense systems envisioned by the
committee.
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
SUBTITLE B--ARMY PROGRAMS
Army Missile
Patriot modifications
The budget request included $11.5 million to support
fielding of anticipated materiel changes to the Patriot weapon
system. The committee recognizes critical lessons learned
during recent technology demonstrations that highlighted the
benefits of digitizing the maintenance portion of battlefield
operations. Future Patriot development activities provide the
opportunity to develop and insert hardware that would support
the fielding of an integrated diagnostic support system (IDSS).
The committee is encouraged to note that insertion of IDSS into
future Patriot modifications could result in $8.5 million in
annual savings and would greatly reduce the need for an
intermediate level of maintenance.
The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million for
IDSS development and hardware procurement for a total of $23.5
million.
All source analysis system (ASAS)
The budget request included $12.3 million to replace
selected, aging Block 1 workstations and to support
digitization efforts. The committee recognizes the value to
force capabilities by fielding ASAS workstations to tactical
echelons below division level. The committee recommends an
increase of $9.7 million to field workstations to maneuver
brigade and battalion warfighters.
The committee has also noted with great interest the work
completed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA) in developing the first operational prototype of an
intelligence fusion system known as the integrated battlespace
intelligence server, or IBIS. This meritorious work would
support Army efforts associated with ASAS. The committee
directs that this work be integrated into the Army effort and
recommends an increase of $2.0 million for PE 604321A to
support technological transfer requirements.
OTHER NAVY PROGRAMS
P-3 intelligence support
The budget request included $17.6 million within the P-3
aircraft modifications line to procure non-developmental,
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), roll-on/roll-off signals
intelligence (SIGINT) sensors for use aboard P-3C aircraft.
While budget documentation provides little information on this
concept, it appears that the Navy intends to incorporate this
capability as an adjunct to its P-3 anti-surface warfare (ASUW)
improvement program (AIP).
The committee is concerned that the Navy has not developed
an operational concept for employing the SIGINT capability that
it proposes to add to the P-3C aircraft. Nor is it clear that
the Navy's proposal relates well to the capability already
provided by its existing fleet of EP-3 aircraft. It would
appear that the Navy is attempting to expand the scope of the
P-3 AIP without first providing a sound rationale for doing so.
Important questions that should be answered to address the
committee's initial concerns would be:
(1) to what degree would P-3C aircraft equipped with
such a COTS SIGINT package be interoperable with other
SIGINT platforms?
(2) are sufficient specially trained personnel
available to support both existing SIGINT systems and
this one as well?
The committee recommends against approving the procurement
of COTS SIGINT sensors in fiscal year 1997, and that the budget
request for P-3 modifications be reduced by $17.6 million.
SWATH oceanographic research ship
The Navy has well-documented requirements, approaching 240
ship-years of backlog, for additional oceanographic survey
work, particularly in the littoral areas of the world. A
substantial percentage of these requirements cannot be
satisfied by the Navy fleet of seven survey ships that are
either in service or under construction. Even if the Navy were
to build additional ships for its own use, the Oceanographer of
the Navy does not have sufficient operating funds programmed to
pay for all of the additional survey work needed to eliminate
his backlog.
The committee has reviewed the matter and concluded that
the Navy could pursue another approach to getting additional
survey work performed. The committee has learned that there are
currently five oceanographic research ships that are owned by
the Navy and operated by a civilian university or research
institute under the supervision of the Chief of Naval Research.
One of these oceanographic research ships will soon be retired
due to obsolescence. The committee believes that, when this
ship is replaced, the Navy and the recipient could enter into
an agreement whereby the Navy would provide the university or
research institute a vessel, and the university or research
institute would schedule and pay for some portion of its year's
research work to support Navy oceanographic survey
requirements. Such an arrangement could modernize an important
capability and also reduce future demand for Navy operation and
maintenance funding to pay for ship survey operations.
The committee recommends an increase to the budget request
of $45.0 million to provide the additional funding needed to
build a small water plane area, twin-hulled (SWATH)
oceanographic vessel based on the TAGOS-23 class of
surveillance ships. The committee directs the Navy to negotiate
a time sharing agreement with the university or institute that
will operate it, whereby a certain portion of the ship's annual
operating time would be dedicated to meeting the Navy's needs.
The Navy should report to the congressional defense committees
on its progress in achieving this agreement by December 15,
1997.
Other Navy Procurement
Challenge Athena
The budget request included no funding for the Chief of
Naval Operation's special project Challenge Athena. This budget
decision was made despite a series of favorable reports by the
Navy's operational commanders on the very significant
contributions that Challenge Athena had made to the success of
their operational deployments.
As noted in its report to accompany the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (S. Rept 104-112), the
committee has followed the progress of several commercial
satellite communications (SATCOM) technologies to evaluate how
this technology could be best utilized to reduce the load on
existing military systems and come closer to the goal of
providing near real-time information to the warfighter. One
such program, Challenge Athena, offers the technology to
provide a communications data rate of greater than 1.554 Mbps.
This data rate permits transmission of near real-time imagery
for precision targeting and strike, video teleconferencing,
telemedicine, and nearly transparent inter-theater
communications.
The committee has concluded that the additional
capabilities provided by Challenge Athena are of sufficient
priority that additional funding is warranted and recommends an
increase of $41.7 million above the budget request for
Challenge Athena, $14.7 million for procurement and $27.0
million for operation of the system.
Global broadcast
The budget request included $113.2 million for launch
services for UHF follow-on (UFO) satellites 8, 9, and 10. These
satellites will support UHF, EHF, and global broadcast service
(GBS) communications. However, the budget request did not
contain funding for the ground and sea-based equipment needed
to implement the GBS capability.
The committee has noted a tendency of defense acquisition
to focus on procurement of major intelligence gathering and
production systems and sophisticated weapons systems while not
giving comparable attention to the communications and data
links needed to support them. Given the fact that modern
warfighting systems are inherently dependent on the
transmission of vast amounts of data to realize their full
potential, a lack of emphasis on the data links and
communications pipelines that feed them is short-sighted. Under
present conditions, for example, the existing network of
military communications satellites is under great pressure from
the growing demands of the nation's warfighters for detailed
imagery, intelligence, and tactical information.
A program to address these information demands emerged last
year. It would involve the use of satellite direct broadcast
technology. This technology is inherent in the design of
commercial satellites and can be incorporated as an add-on
package to military satellites, such as the UFO series.
Suitably equipped commercial and military satellites will be
capable of providing high capacity, one-way broadcast
transmissions to very small terminals. For the military this
capability has become known as the GBS.
Because of its need to provide a wide-band communications
capability to ships that are space constrained and widely
distributed world-wide, the Navy has been particularly active
in seeking to benefit from GBS. The Navy has identified two
near-term phases that would first make use of commercial
satellites to provide GBS support, then incorporate the
capability into its UFO satellite series beginning in fiscal
year 1998. However, the transition from concept to a concrete
program has progressed at a more rapid pace than the Department
of Defense's planning, programming, and budgeting cycle. As a
consequence, while the space segment of GBS has received some
measure of funding in the fiscal year 1997 budget request, the
ground and afloat segment received none. Additional funding in
fiscal year 1997 will ensure that GBS can be included in UFO
satellites 8, 9, and 10. It would also procure a sufficient
number of ship and shore terminals to provide GBS through the
use of commercial satellites to a large cross section of the
fleet and the Navy's ashore commanders even sooner.
To ensure that the diverse requirements of the Navy's GBS
program progress in a complementary manner, the committee
recommends an increase of $50.5 million above the budget
request as follows:
(1) $39.0 million for the procurement and
installation of shipboard GBS satellite terminals;
(2) $7.0 million for the procurement and installation
of shore GBS satellite terminals; and
(3) $4.5 million to provide for launch services for
UFO satellites 8, 9, and 10.
Oceanographic equipment
During its review of the fiscal year 1997 budget request,
the committee determined that investment funding for
oceanographic equipment was reduced significantly in both
fiscal year 1996 and in the budget request. Naval oceanography
employs equipment such as fathometers, global positioning
satellite (GPS) receivers, recording equipment, and side-scan
sonars to conduct ocean surveys. These are sensitive units that
are used in the Navy's survey vessels or incorporated into
travel packs for use by Navy oceanographers onboard foreign
ships. They can be easily affected or damaged by rough handling
or extended exposure to a marine environment. Replacement on a
regular basis is necessary. It would appear that funding in
fiscal year 1996 and in the budget request is not sufficient to
maintain an adequate replacement program
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million above
the budget request to provide additional funding for
procurement of oceanographic survey equipment.
Marine Corps Procurement
Joint task force deployable communications support
The committee supports Marine Corps efforts to enhance its
communications support capabilities. The committee recognizes
the outstanding requirement for a deployable satellite
communications system and recommends an increase of $1.7
million to procure this system for the Marine Corps joint task
force headquarters.
Intelligence upgrades
The committee is concerned about the modernization of
Marine intelligence support capabilities and notes outstanding
requirements in two separate areas: tactical photography and
communications intelligence dissemination.
The tactical photography (TACPHOTO) camera system is a
state-of-the-art imagery collection device that greatly
enhances the real time tactical intelligence products needed by
Marine Corps field commanders. The committee recommends an
increase of $11.2 million to accelerate the initial operational
capability date for this system by one year and to procure all
509 TACPHOTO systems required.
The committee also recommends an increase of $3.4 million
to procure three team portable communication intelligence
systems (TPCS), which will meet the acquisition objective and
provide the Marine air ground task force (MAGTF) commander with
a vital intelligence tool.
SUBTITLE D--AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
The budget request contained $417.8 million for the
procurement of two E-8C aircraft, and $111.1 million for
advanced procurement for two E-8Cs in fiscal year 1998, and
$30.2 million for initial spares. Trainers and support
equipment were included in the procurement. Funding in the
amount of $207.3 million for follow on development and testing
was also requested in PE 64770F.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force has testified that
accelerating the procurement of the JSTARS aircraft is the top
unfunded priority of the Air Force. The committee understands
that accelerating delivery of one JSTARS aircraft will provide
significant cost savings/avoidance.
The JSTARS effectiveness has been proven during Operation
Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and also recently in Bosnia. The
battlefield awareness provided by the JSTARS to combat
commanders is critical to rapid reaction and operational
success. Consequently, the committee is convinced that
acceleration of one JSTARS aircraft from fiscal year 2005 to
2001 is a cost-effective way to acquire effective operational
capability. The committee recommends an increase of $240.0
million for the procurement of one aircraft, including an
additional $30.0 million for initial spares.
SR-71
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996
provided $5.0 million for costs associated with the
refurbishment of SR-71 aircraft. The budget request for fiscal
year 1997 did not include funding for SR-71 modifications. The
committee understands that a prudent modification program can
be incorporated into the SR-71 to improve its effectiveness as
a hedge until unmanned aerial vehicles become widely available.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $9.0
million for ELINT system reinstallation, clip in kits,
navigation/GPS, and an on board processor and data link study.
Satellite communications terminals
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have mandated that ultra-high
frequency (UHF) satellite communications users implement the
demand assigned multiple access (DAMA) capability for all
users. The Air Force is procuring DAMA ground terminals but has
not requested funding for airborne terminals in the budget
request. Without these airborne terminals, aircraft will not be
able to effectively communicate with other platforms.
Accordingly, the committee recommends $21.2 million in aircraft
procurement funding to begin procuring these UHF airborne DAMA
terminals. The committee understands that additional funds will
be required in the out years to complete this effort and
directs the Air Force to include sufficient funding in future
years budget requests.
RC-135 re-engining
Last year the committee recommended an increase of $79.5
million for re-engining RC-135 aircraft. Providing modern,
efficient engines for these heavily used aircraft allowed for a
rapid recapture of the investment involved, while avoiding the
costs of supporting out of production engines. The committee
understands that the Air Force is programming resources for
continuation beyond fiscal year 1998 to complete the entire
fleet of aircraft.
Under the assumption that the Air Force will program the
required funding to complete the program past fiscal year 1997,
the committee recommends an increase of $145.2 million to
procure engine kits for six aircraft.
Rivet Joint technology transfer
The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million to
the budget request for defense airborne reconnaissance program
(DARP) to migrate medium wave infrared acquisition technology
from the Cobra Ball program to the Rivet Joint RC-135 tactical
reconnaissance fleet. The committee understands that the Air
Force is reordering priorities to fund the Rivet Joint
technology transfer program in fiscal years 1998 and 1999.
Funds authorized in fiscal year 1997 would allow the Air Force
to maintain a schedule to field upgraded systems that would
enhance theater missile defense surveillance activities
beginning in 1997.
Space boosters
The budget request included $489.6 million in Missile
Procurement, Air Force, for space boosters. The committee
understands that a portion of the request may not be needed as
a result of funding received from the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration. The budget request also appears to
contain a larger amount of advance procurement than required.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $40.8
million.
DEFENSE-WIDE PROGRAMS
Defense-Wide Procurement
Common automatic recovery system
The committee is encouraged by the actions taken by the
Department of the Navy and the Joint Program Office to meet the
integration and fielding requirements of the common automatic
recovery system (CARS) into the Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) system and with the planned initiatives to field CARS in
all UAVs. The committee believes that this low cost system will
reduce mishaps and improve operational effectiveness.
Accordingly, the committee directs the integration of CARS into
both the tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) and the
Predator systems as soon as practicable and recommends an
increase of $8.0 million in Procurement, Defense-Wide, Line 7
(DARP).
C-130 aircraft modifications
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has an
ongoing program to incrementally modify its special mission
aircraft to incorporate mature technology and preserve their
capability to counter evolving threats. The committee has
learned that additional funding in fiscal year 1997 would make
possible improvements to USSOCOM's AC-130U gunships and the MC-
130H Combat Talon II aircraft that would upgrade display
generation units, suppress the infrared signature of aircraft
engines, and improve sustainment for certain weapon systems.
Funding for these improvements could not be accommodated within
the budget request because of resource constraints.
The committee recommends an increase of $23.8 million for
survivability and sustainment improvements to the USSOCOM's
fleet of AC-130U Gunships and the MC-130H Combat Talon II
aircraft.
Advanced SEAL delivery system
The budget request contains no procurement funding for the
advanced SEAL delivery system (ASDS) for the special operations
forces.
The committee has learned that a changing interpretation of
administrative procedures between preparation of the fiscal
year 1996 and fiscal year 1997 budget requests caused $4.4
million of advance procurement funding for the ASDS to be
deleted from the fiscal year 1997 budget request at the last
minute. In fact, initial printed budget justification materials
that the committee received from the Department of Defense
still included this advance procurement in their tabular
displays. The consequence of this cut in funding would be a one
year delay in fielding the ASDS system.
To restore the ASDS program to its original schedule, the
committee recommends an increase of $4.4 million over the
budget request for the procurement of long-lead steel and
integrated control and display consoles needed for fabrication
of the first production ASDS. The U.S. Special Operations
Command estimates that acceleration of this funding from fiscal
year 1998 to fiscal year 1997 will avoid costs of about $10.0
million.
Special mission radio system
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has a program
to procure a special mission radio system (SMRS). SMRS is
needed to satisfy long-range communications requirements of the
special forces. The operational requirements document for SMRS
was approved in May 1995, and the program is included in the
future years defense program. The committee has been informed
by USSOCOM that accelerated procurement could save $11.3
million through avoidance of future costs.
The committee recommends an addition of $9.4 million for
procurement of the SMRS.
SCAMPI communications system
The budget request contained no funding for procurement of
the SCAMPI communications system for the U.S. Special
Operations Command (USSOCOM). Additional funding in fiscal year
1997 would enable USSOCOM to procure the equipment necessary to
relocate and modernize three principal SCAMPI hubs to
accommodate bandwidth requirements.
The committee recommends an increase of $3.7 million to
complete hub relocation for USSOCOM's SCAMPI communications
system.
Briefcase multi-mission advanced tactical terminal
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has been
engaged in an ongoing program to develop and procure the
briefcase multimission advanced tactical terminal (BMATT). This
program responds to a validated requirement for BMATT that is
contained in an October 1995 joint operational requirements
document. Procurement for BMATT is included in the future years
defense program. The Special Operations Command has informed
the committee that accelerated procurement of this proven,
operationally effective system will save $0.5 million and
enable the special forces to access, in near-real time,
intelligence information that is very important for mission
planning and execution.
The committee recommends an addition of $4.5 million to
accelerate the procurement of BMATT.
Procurement of ammunition--Special Operations
The committee is concerned with the inadequate funding for
ammunition that was contained in the President's budget
request. Ammunition is an important contributor to military
readiness, for training and in anticipation of conflict. The
committee recommends the following adjustments to the budget
request for Special Operations Forces ammunition procurement:
Item Millions
Selectable Lightweight Attack Munitions........................... $5.0
Time Delay Firing Device.......................................... 8.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
________________________________________________
Total....................................................... 13.0
Other Items of Interest
Individual body armor
The committee is aware that current funding constraints
prevent the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) from
procuring and issuing a set of individual body armor to each
member of special forces units that should use such equipment.
Special forces members who deploy for operational missions are
required to draw body armor from common stocks and turn it in
upon return. The rationale for this system appears to be that:
(1) it would be too expensive to issue an individual
set of body armor to each person; and
(2) more advanced equipment cannot be procured
because of the cost to replace all equipment at the
same time.
The committee has been informed that USSOCOM's current
system for management of individual body armor is unpopular
among special forces units because SEALs and other individuals
are often compelled to use equipment that is heavily soiled
from having been worn next to the body by other personnel for
long periods of time under demanding circumstances. The
committee understands that there is a different system for
similar equipment in conventional units, where troops, such as
infantrymen, are issued a helmet upon being assigned to the
unit for their exclusive use while assigned. Upon completion of
a tour of duty with their unit, infantrymen clean their helmets
and turn them in for reissue. The committee would support a
similar system for individual body armor for special forces.
The committee also notes that the current system appears
shortsighted and counterproductive, because the wear and tear
from repeated readjustment of the equipment to fit numerous
individuals is likely to be greater than if the equipment were
used by one person. Also, contrary to USSOCOM's apparent
procurement assumption, the committee finds no compelling
reason why all individual body armor must be replaced at the
same time for special forces personnel. It would seem that
advanced equipment could be procured annually, at a rate
sufficient to replace older equipment as it wears out.
The committee has learned that the estimated cost of
furnishing appropriate special forces with a set of individual
body armor is approximately $3.0 million. However, this
estimate lacks sufficient precision to merit a specific
recommendation by the committee in fiscal year 1997 to
implement such a program. Consequently, the committee directs
the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command to
report to the congressional defense committees, not later than
March 3, 1997, on the advisability of changing the current
system and the associated costs of implementing any proposed
changes.
Predator UAV leasing
The committee is aware of the successful results of the
Predator UAV advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD)
program, and the role the Predator has played during the crisis
in Bosnia. The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) has
established a requirement for 16 Predator systems, but fewer
than three systems are now available in the inventory.
As a way of providing commanders in the field with
additional Predator systems in the most timely fashion, the
committee believes that the Department of Defense should
consider the option of leasing a small number of Predator
systems. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to report to the congressional defense committees by
November 1, 1996 on the feasibility, desirability, cost-
effectiveness, and net benefits of proceeding with near-term,
full service leasing of the Predator UAV system.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
SUBTITLE A--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Section 203. Defense Nuclear Agency.
The budget request included $314.3 million for the Defense
Nuclear Agency (DNA) for operation and maintenance ($85.1
million), procurement ($7.9 million) and research and
development ($221.3 million). The committee recommends an
increase of $15.0 million to the DNA budget request. The
committee directs that the funds be used: to increase the
frequency of nuclear weapons incident field training exercises
($3.0 million for operations and maintenance); to leverage DNA
capabilities developed to combat nuclear threats during the
Cold War by establishing a counter terrorism technology support
program; and to establish a nuclear weapon delivery sustainment
program which, in conjunction with the military services, will
provide affordable technologies, manufacturing processes, and
test and evaluation techniques to maintain nuclear delivery
systems over their anticipated extended life cycles ($12.0
million).
SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Section 211. Space launch modernization.
The committee supports the Department of Defense's Evolved
Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program because of the
potential for significant near-term reductions in launch cost
and improvements in responsiveness. However, the committee
believes that the Department should also begin planning for how
it would use a reusable launch vehicle (RLV). Well before we
have an operational RLV, the Department of Defense (DOD) will
have to rethink its technological and operational approaches to
the use of space for meeting communications, reconnaissance,
and other military requirements. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $25.0 million in PE 63401F to begin
the necessary technical and operational developments that will
be required for the Department to fully utilize RLV systems
once they become operational. The committee notes that the
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Space has expressed
serious interest in coordinating the efforts within the
Department of Defense and between the Department of Defense and
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on RLV
development and planning. The committee applauds this
initiative.
The committee recommends a provision that would not permit
the use of DOD funds for RLV in an amount in excess of that
dedicated to the program by NASA. The provision also prohibits
the obligation of funds authorized for EELV in fiscal year 1997
until the Secretary of Defense certifies that the DOD plans to
obligate the funds authorized for RLV in a manner consistent
with this Act.
Section 212. Department of Defense Space Architect.
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to include the kinetic energy tactical
anti-satellite (ASAT) program in the space control architecture
that will be developed by the Department's new Space Architect.
The provision would prohibit the use of fiscal year 1997
defense funds to support the Space Architect until the
Secretary certifies that he will include the ASAT program in
the space control architecture and that he has obligated fiscal
year 1996 funds and will obligate fiscal year 1997 funds
appropriated for the kinetic energy ASAT, consistent with
congressional guidance.
Section 213. Space-based infrared system program.
Section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104-106) requires the Secretary of
Defense to prepare and submit to Congress a new program
baseline for the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program,
including an accelerated schedule for development and
deployment of the Space and Missile Tracking System (SMTS). The
committee has been disappointed by the Department's delay in
responding to this statutory guidance and reluctance to
obligate funds appropriated for SMTS in fiscal year 1996. Due
to this lack of responsiveness, the committee recommends a
provision that would provide for the conditional transfer of
SMTS back to the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO),
where the program had previously resided.
The committee is aware, however, that the Department of the
Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense have
instituted a process that will purportedly bring the Department
of Defense into compliance with section 216 (Public Law 104-
106). Based on assurances to this effect, the committee has
decided to condition the transfer of the SMTS program. If,
within 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Defense certifies to Congress that the requirements of section
216 (Public Law 104-106) have been carried out, then the
requirement to transfer SMTS to BMDO shall cease to be
effective.
The committee notes that the Air Force has informed the
committee that the program baseline required by section 216
(Public Law 104-106) is achievable at a reasonable level of
risk. The committee has been in regular contact with the Air
Force to review in detail draft schedules for the new program
baseline. The committee also notes that its desire to foster
greater competition in the SMTS program has been endorsed by
the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force. The
committee has been informed by senior Department of Defense
officials that the Department's decision to recommend
rescission of $51.0 million of the fiscal year 1996 SMTS
appropriation was a mistake based on incomplete information,
and that the Department is eager to obligate such funds for the
purpose for which they were originally authorized and
appropriated. Finally, the committee notes that both the Air
Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense unofficially
recommended an increase of $134.0 million in fiscal year 1997
to enhance competition in the SMTS program and to preserve the
option of accelerating the SMTS schedule, consistent with
section 216 (Public Law 104-106).
The committee recommends sufficient funding in fiscal year
1997 for the overall SBIRS program to implement the program
baseline established in section 216(a) of P.L. 104-106. Since
the budget request is deficient for both the space segment high
and the space segment low (SMTS), the committee recommends an
increase of $134.0 million in PE 63441F to support SMTS
acceleration, and an increase of $19.1 million in PE 64441F to
restore SBIRS high to the baseline program previously approved
by the committee and to preclude a slip in fielding one or both
of the overseas relay ground stations supporting the 1999
Defense Support Program consolidation.
Section 215. Clementine 2 micro-satellite development program.
In fiscal year 1996, the Air Force Space Command, in
conjunction with the Air Force Phillips Laboratory, initiated a
Clementine 2 micro-satellite program as a follow-on to the
highly successful Clementine 1 mission. The Clementine 2
program will develop, test, and flight-validate a variety of
miniaturized spacecraft technologies with applications to a
wide number of military and intelligence space programs. By
using near-earth asteroids as sensor demonstration targets, the
mission will also provide benefits to the civil science
community. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of
$50.0 million in PE 63401F to continue this effort under the
control of the Space Warfare Center, with execution by the
Clementine team (Phillips Laboratory, the Naval Research
Laboratory, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory).
The committee also recommends a provision that would
prohibit the use of funds authorized in this Act for the Global
Positioning System Block IIF satellite system until the
Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that: (1) funds
appropriated for fiscal year 1996 for the Clementine 2 micro-
satellite program have been obligated; and (2) the Secretary
has made available for obligation funds appropriated for fiscal
year 1997 for the Clementine 2 micro-satellite program.
Section 217. Defense airborne reconnaissance program.
The budget request for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
included $438.6 million for research and development for a
variety of reconnaissance programs within the defense airborne
reconnaissance program (DARP) as listed below:
DARP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[Dollars in millions]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Purpose Amount Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tactical UAV (TUAV)......................... Provide warfighters with day/night aerial $64.6 -12.8
reconnaissance to support combat operations.
Endurance UAV (EUAV)........................ Provide wide area reconnaissance support with 176.4 ........
the following UAV systems: ``Predator'' (Tier
II) medium altitude endurance (MAE); ``Global
Hawk'' (Tier II+) conventional, high altitude
endurance (CONV HAE); and ``Dark Star'' (Tier
III-) low observable, high altitude endurance
(LO HAE).
Manned Reconnaissance Program............... Support the entire range of users from 28.3 +42.7
tactical to National Command Authority.
Distributed Common Ground System............ Provide a system capable of receiving and 55.3 ........
processing data from multiple airborne
platforms.
Airborne Reconnaissance Program (ARP)....... Respond to evolving threats by funding and 114.0 -6.5
coordinating other advanced airborne
reconnaissance technologies.
-------------------
Total................................. .............................................. 438.6 +23.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program
The committee applauds the attempts by the Department of
Defense to rationalize programs for meeting the requirements of
users at the tactical level. The committee believes that the
Department has offered a reasonable plan to move toward a set
of systems to meet requirements in the long-term. However, the
committee remains concerned about the pressure to proliferate
systems to meet particular niche markets. This makes the
tactical UAV development program all the more important.
The Department has proposed to manage the tactical UAV
program as an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD).
This proposal differs from previous ACTDs, however, in that the
budget supports an immediate transition into production of the
candidate system that wins the tactical UAV competition.
The committee understands that a request for proposals
(RFP) has been released, and contract award is expected within
one month of this report. The restructuring of the program and
the creation of an ACTD has resulted in an excess of unexpended
funds from fiscal year 1995 and fiscal year 1996; accordingly,
the committee recommends a reduction of $12.8 million and
encourages the Department to reprogram any remaining funds
within the DARP.
The committee notes the success achieved in the Predator
ACTD, which has achieved many operational successes in Bosnia.
The Predator program is the first ACTD that will ``graduate''
from development status into production. There has been
sufficient time to operationally test the Predator before we
committed resources in the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP)
to any major production program. This is in stark contrast to
the Hunter UAV program, where production began much too soon.
In a rush to production and deployment, the Department now owns
multiple Hunter systems that will be stored for potential
future use.
This presents both a problem and an opportunity. We will be
saddled with a one-of-a-kind system and storage costs.
Nevertheless, having the Hunter systems available (and the
Pioneer and Predator UAV systems) means that we do not need to
rush to production of the tactical UAV. Therefore, the
committee directs the Department of Defense not to enter into
any limited production for tactical UAVs beyond the number
required to conduct the core ACTD program.
Dark Star UAV
The committee is encouraged that the Dark Star UAV has
finally achieved first flight. Unfortunately, achieving this
milestone was delayed by more than six months from the date
estimated by the contractors last year, and the aircraft
crashed on its second flight. This is in direct contrast to the
pleas that the program was ahead of schedule and could use
additional funds in fiscal year 1996 for additional air
vehicles. The committee understands that this delay was caused
by deficiencies in the avionics system, resulting from software
problems. A problem with software has been an all too common
problem in other programs and has frequently been a harbinger
of even bigger problems later. The committee believes that
achieving theater-level support promised by the Dark Star is
too important to have this program burdened by the problems
deriving from too much production with too little progress in
the air. While the specific causes of a recent Dark Star crash
are as yet unknown, the committee views with concern the
headlong rush to accelerate the program.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision to direct
the Department of Defense to refrain from awarding contracts
for additional air vehicles beyond the original ACTD proposal,
or any other work related to additional air vehicles, as a
hedge against further program surprises.
Predator
The Predator UAV, formerly known as the Tier II, has
enjoyed significant success in Bosnia operations. The committee
understands the Department is interested in procuring a
substantial number of Predator systems for future fielding. The
Predator was itself an ACTD, as is the Dark Star. Full scale
acquisition of Predators will be a benchmark for ACTDs, since
no other ACTDs have gone to full production. ACTDs are designed
for limited scale demonstrations, rather than as acquisition
programs, and are hence free from various acquisition
regulations.
The committee is gratified by the Predator's successes, and
interested in a comparison of Predator's capabilities versus
those of the Tier III- . The committee has frequently noted
concern over the number of UAV types and apparent mission
overlap between the various programs. Specifically, could the
Predator be a substitute for the Tier III- if the Dark Star
endured further program setbacks? If Predator can successfully
transition to production, it may be a near-term solution while
other UAVs are in development. Conversely, if the Predator does
not have sufficient capability for future missions, the
resources devoted to Predator acquisition might be better used
for the developing Dark Star program. Accordingly, the
committee recommends a provision to direct the Defense Airborne
Reconnaissance Office (DARO) to withhold Predator acquisition
until 60 days after submitting a report that compares the
capabilities and costs of the two programs and makes
recommendations for the future of the two programs should
funding for only one program be available.
Manned Reconnaissance Upgrades
While there have been strides made in UAV's and there are
promising developmental programs in progress for sensor
integration, the committee notes the gap between fielded UAV's
and required capabilities. In order to ensure continuing
reconnaissance capacity, the committee recommends close
attention be paid to U-2 capabilities, payloads and training
now.
SIGINT payloads
Last year the committee recognized the need for incremental
upgrades to the SIGINT capabilities of the U-2. Noting the
development of the joint airborne SIGINT architecture (JASA) as
an important initiative for future intelligence gathering, the
committee also acknowledges the need to remain capable in the
near-term, while awaiting JASA development.
The committee is aware that the DARO has listed U-2
recapitalization, specifically procurement of two additional
Senior Glass payloads, as their top unfunded priority.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $32.7
million to procure and integrate two additional Senior Glass
payloads. Also, the committee is aware of an initiative within
the DARO to reprogram excess funds from the cancelled Hunter
UAV program which contains additional Senior Glass payloads for
the U-2. The committee expects to receive such a request in the
near future.
Senior Year electro-optical reconnaissance system (SYERS)
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996
recommended an increase in the DARO budget for U-2 sensor
upgrades, including the SYERS.
The SYERS provides the U-2 with its only operational real-
time imaging system. Following the Gulf War, the DARO initiated
a program to enhance SYERS capabilities to provide wide area
coverage, geolocation ability, multi-spectral imaging
capability, and simultaneous operation with other sensor
packages. However, the program has not been funded to
completion, leaving a final package upgrade, the U-2000
program, unfunded. Accordingly, the committee recommends an
increase of $10.0 million to repackage the SYERS sensor for
simultaneous operation with other sensors, and to begin the
effort to add geolocation and broad area coverage, and multi
spectral capabilities.
U-2 simulator
The committee appreciates the fact that U-2 operational
tempo is demanding of both equipment and crews, leaving little
opportunity for training new crews or ensuring proficiency in
all aspects of operations. The unique nature of the U-2's
aerodynamics demands precise flying that can only be perfected
through practice. The lack of training time available for the
aircraft, as well as the advances now available in simulation
at modest cost, combine to suggest the need for simulator
training for U-2 crews. The committee is persuaded that
training costs could be reduced and safety enhanced through the
use of simulation. The committee encourages the Air Force to
begin a program to acquire a motion-based flight simulator for
U-2 flight crews, and directs the Secretary of the Air Force to
report to the congressional defense committees on the
feasibility of U-2 simulation, to include the funding required,
realistic completion date, and a net benefit analysis of
acquiring a U-2 flight simulator.
Airborne Reconnaissance Program (ARP)
Common data link
The common data link is an effort to define and implement
an interoperable command, control, and communications
capability. The committee understands that the program has not
been able to execute fully in fiscal year 1996, and accordingly
recommends a reduction of $6.5 million in the program.
Section 220. Nonlethal weapons and technologies programs.
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
$15.0 million for a joint service research and development
program for non-lethal weapons technologies capabilities to be
administered by the executive agent. Additionally, the
committee recommends authorization of $3.0 million in the
operation and maintenance account for the Marine Corps and $2.0
million in the operation and maintenance account for the Army
to fulfill immediate procurement needs for non-lethal weapons
to correct inventory deficiencies.
The committee also recommends a provision that would limit
the use of funds authorized in program element 605130D (foreign
comparative testing) and program element 603790D (NATO research
and development) until funds authorized for the non-lethal
weapons program element authorized in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996, and funds authorized
for fiscal year 1997, are released to the executive agent of
the program. Lastly, the committee is aware that the budget
request for fiscal year 1996 also includes funds in the budget
request for the Department and separate defense agencies in
program elements 603220E and 602715H for research and
development of non-lethal weapons technologies. The committee
requests that research and development efforts funded by these
program elements be coordinated with the executive agent for
the non-lethal weapons technology program.
Since 1990, the role of U.S. military forces in
peacekeeping and operations other than war has increased
dramatically. Examples of operations where U.S. military forces
have been deployed include evacuation operations in politically
unstable areas, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance in
response to internal political upheavals, and peace enforcement
and peacekeeping. These deployments, in varied and non-
traditional missions, have placed our military forces in
potentially dangerous noncombat situations involving civilians
and terrorists. The fielding of non-lethal capabilities in
Somalia and Haiti, while modest in scope, provided U.S.
military forces with increased flexibility in the force
continuum, where previously the only options available were
either to do nothing or to use deadly force. It is likely that
U.S. military forces will continue to be confronted by
unorthodox military challenges in the future, and the committee
strongly believes that non-lethal capabilities are necessary to
manage, contain, and defuse certain volatile and low intensity
situations.
The committee sought to ensure that the military services
possess the technologies, systems and munitions necessary to
perform peacekeeping missions and operations other than war by
authorizing $41.0 million in fiscal year 1995. In fiscal year
1996, the Congress directed the Department to centralize
funding for non-lethal weapons and technologies, and to assign
management of the program to an executive agent, preferably a
user of the technologies, such as a military service. This
executive agent would be in a position to identify and
prioritize service requirements for non-lethal research and
development efforts based on operational experience and needs.
In recent testimony before the committee, the Department
announced that the Commandant of the Marine Corps, along with
the Director of the Commandant's War Fighting Laboratory, had
been designated as the executive agent for the Department's
non-lethal weapons program. As outlined to the committee, the
Marine Corps will coordinate activities of the services,
defense agencies and the U.S. Special Operations Command, but
would exercise direct control only over the Marine Corps
activities. According to DOD, all budgetary oversight and
direction for research, development, and procurement of non-
lethal weapons technologies would remain the responsibility of
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. The committee
is deeply concerned by the Department's decision not to comply
with direction provided last year.
Additionally, the committee has learned that $37.2 million
authorized last year for the non-lethal weapons technologies
program has been withheld from the executive agent by the
Department. The committee directs the Department to comply with
section 219 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1996 and release funds authorized for the non-
lethal weapons technologies to the executive agent for
implementation of the program.
Finally, the committee understands that the military
services have identified the need for additional funding in
fiscal year 1996 to reduce development risk in a number of
areas such as kinetics, entanglements and acoustics.
Additionally, the committee has learned that the military
services have identified $26.0 million in shortfalls in the
current non-lethal weapons inventory. The committee recommends
that the Department seek to reprogram $26.0 million from funds
authorized in fiscal year 1996 for research and development of
non-lethal weapons to be used for the procurement of non-lethal
weapons to meet inventory deficits.
Section 221. Counterproliferation support program.
The fiscal year 1997 budget request included $93.7 million
for the Counterproliferation Support Program to accelerate the
development and deployment of essential military
counterproliferation technologies and capabilities in the
Department of Defense (DOD) and the military services. The
committee recommends an increase of $75.0 million to the budget
request for the continuation of the Army's tactical
antisatellite (ASAT) technologies program.
Proliferation of Space Technology
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996
included $30.0 million for the Army's tactical antisatellite
technologies program. The committee is concerned with the
Department's decision to include the funds authorized and
appropriated for the Army's tactical antisatellite technologies
program on the rescission list. The Commander in Chief of Space
Command has testified before the committee of the importance of
space and the inherent advantage of controlling this
operational medium for the military. General Ashy testified
that, ``the use of space and control of this space medium are
essential to today's military operations.'' The committee
understands that the Army's Space and Strategic Defense Command
did not agree with the decision to rescind the funds authorized
for the tactical ASAT program because it believes that the
kinetic energy technology will prove to be a vital capability
for the future and may have applicability to other programs.
In order to avoid significant delays and increased costs in
developing this capability, the Congress directed the
Department to build on the Army's tactical antisatellite
technology program. However, the Department's decision to
include the funds authorized for this program in a rescission
package may have caused the program to be delayed by a year,
and potentially increased the cost of the program.
The committee directs DOD to release the funds authorized
for this program and comply with section 218 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996.
Underground and Deep Underground Structures
In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1996, the Congress recommended that $1.5 million be made
available from the counterproliferation support program for the
exploration of a ``deep digger'' concept for hard target
characterization. The committee believes that the Department
must continue to focus its research and development efforts
aggressively on programs to detect and discriminately attack
and destroy underground facilities. The ``deep digger'' concept
could possibly address a critical gap in our armed forces'
capabilities. The committee understands that only a small
portion of funds has been released to conduct a feasibility
study for theoretical validation of the program. Deep digger
has the potential for use in a variety of missions because it
could be delivered either by ground forces or by aircraft. The
committee directs the Department to release the remainder of
fiscal year 1996 funds and recommends that $3.0 million of the
funds authorized for the counterproliferation support program
in fiscal year 1996 be made available for the continuation of
the proof of principle concept and for the design and testing
of a prototype.
Chemical and Biological Detection
The committee recommends that the Department continue to
place increased emphasis in this area. The potential use of
biological agents continues to be a powerful threat to national
security. The committee continues to believe that bolder
research and development efforts are needed and strongly
recommends that the program