General Hawley on: Why Weapons Systems Cost So Much – the 101 Version (Part Two)

01/05/2010
By Richard E. Hawley, General (Ret), USAF General Hawley served as the Commander, Air Combat Command and Commander US Air Forces in Europe.  Additionally he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. *** PART TWO This is not an easy question to answer.  There are three…

Is the MRAP Acquisition a Model for Acquisition, Rapid or Otherwise?

11/08/2009
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were rapidly acquired based upon an undeniable urgent operational requirement.  In short, the rapid fielding of MRAPs was an absolute necessity.  The use of improvised explosive devices in Iraq and beyond had become a clear threat after several years in the Iraqi theater.  And,…

Speaking from Experience: Ken Miller’s Column

11/03/2009
I have had a broad experience base in Acquisition:  from working as a junior engineer on a few Programs to Deputy PEO for Naval TACAIR Aviation, on to a series of positions in the departments of the navy and the air force in the Acquisition, Strategy/programming and Requirements/Policy sectors. A…