Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) is a high-ranking official within the United States Department of Defense responsible for the technological superiority of the United States Armed Forces. This position serves as the Secretary of Defense's chief advisor on all matters related to science and technology, advanced capabilities, and research and development. The office oversees a vast portfolio aimed at accelerating the delivery of innovative technologies to warfighters and maintaining a decisive edge over strategic competitors like China and Russia.

History

The position traces its origins to the Cold War era, initially established in 1977 as the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering following a reorganization recommended by the Packard Commission. Its creation centralized oversight of the Department of Defense's sprawling research and development enterprises, which included pivotal agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Over subsequent decades, the role and its title underwent several changes, including a period as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) following the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. This consolidation, influenced by reforms such as the Goldwater–Nichols Act, placed acquisition and logistics under the same authority. However, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, driven by concerns over technological competition, re-established a dedicated Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, separating it from the acquisition functions assigned to the new Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Responsibilities

The USD(R&E) holds the critical mandate of guiding the Department of Defense's investment in next-generation technologies. Key responsibilities include directing the science and technology programs across the military departments and Defense agencies, with a focus on priority areas like hypersonics, artificial intelligence, directed-energy weapons, biotechnology, and quantum science. The official chairs the Defense Science Board and provides oversight for organizations such as the Missile Defense Agency, the Space Development Agency, and the Strategic Capabilities Office. A central duty is the development and execution of the Department of Defense's modernization strategy, ensuring the rapid prototyping and transition of capabilities to operational commands like the United States Space Command and the United States Cyber Command.

Organization

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is organized into several key directorates and offices led by a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Major components include the Director for Research and Technology, who oversees basic and applied research, and the Director for Advanced Capabilities, responsible for prototyping and experimentation. The structure also includes specific offices focused on critical technology areas, such as the Office of the Chief Technology Officer and offices dedicated to microelectronics, 5G, and trusted artificial intelligence. The USD(R&E) also exercises authority over several Department of Defense Field Activities, including the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Defense Digital Service, which connect the Department of Defense with commercial technology firms.

List of officials

The following individuals have served as Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering or in the directly equivalent role since its inception: * William J. Perry (1977–1981) * Richard DeLauer (1981–1984) * Donald A. Hicks (1984–1986) * Robert C. Duncan (1986–1989) * John A. Betti (1990–1993) ... (List continues through the USD(AT&L) period) ... * Michael D. Griffin (2018–2020) * Mark T. Esper (acting) (2020) * Michael Kratsios (2020–2021) * Heidi Shyu (2021–2022) * David Honey (2022–present)

See also

* United States Department of Defense * Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency * Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment * Deputy Secretary of Defense * Defense Science Board * National Defense Authorization Act * Military technology of the United States

Category:United States Department of Defense officials Category:Science and technology in the United States