Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is a senior official in the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development and oversight of the department's research, development, and engineering efforts. The Under Secretary works closely with the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and other senior officials to ensure that the department's technological advancements align with its strategic objectives, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy and the National Security Strategy. This involves collaboration with various organizations, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the National Security Agency (NSA). The Under Secretary also engages with international partners, such as NATO and the European Union, to advance shared defense and security interests.

● Overview

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering plays a critical role in shaping the department's technological future, working closely with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other components, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). This involves overseeing the development of new technologies, such as those related to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and hypersonic systems, in collaboration with organizations like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). The Under Secretary also works with the Congress of the United States, including the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, to ensure that the department's research and engineering efforts are aligned with national priorities, such as those outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act.

● Responsibilities

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has a broad range of responsibilities, including overseeing the department's research, development, and engineering activities, as well as its science and technology (S&T) investments. This involves working with various organizations, such as the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), to develop new technologies and capabilities, including those related to space systems, cyber operations, and electronic warfare. The Under Secretary also collaborates with international partners, such as the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and the Australian Department of Defence, to advance shared defense and security interests, including through the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

● History

The position of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering was established in 1958, with Herbert York serving as the first incumbent. Since then, the Under Secretary has played a critical role in shaping the department's technological advancements, including the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), satellite systems, and stealth technology. The Under Secretary has also worked closely with other senior officials, including the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Army, to ensure that the department's research and engineering efforts are aligned with its strategic objectives, as outlined in the Goldwater-Nichols Act and the National Defense Act of 1947.

● Organization

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is supported by a range of organizations, including the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The Under Secretary also works closely with other components, such as the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and the National Defense University (NDU), to develop and implement the department's research and engineering strategies, including those related to acquisition reform and technology transition. This involves collaboration with industry partners, such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, as well as with academia, including institutions like the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Carnegie Mellon University.

● List of

Under Secretaries The following individuals have served as Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering: * Herbert York (1958-1961) * Harold Brown (1961-1965) * John S. Foster Jr. (1965-1969) * John McLucas (1969-1973) * Malcolm Currie (1973-1977) * William J. Perry (1977-1981) * Richard D. DeLauer (1981-1984) * Donald A. Hicks (1984-1986) * Robert C. Duncan (1986-1987) * Charles M. Herzfeld (1987-1989) * Donald M. Kerr (1989-1990) * Abe Shulsky (1990-1993) * Walter B. Slocombe (1993-1994) * John P. White (1994-1995) * Jacques S. Gansler (1995-1997) * Hans Mark (1997-1998) * Jacques S. Gansler (1998-2001) * Edward C. Aldridge Jr. (2001-2003) * Michael W. Wynne (2003-2005) * John J. Young Jr. (2005-2007) * John J. Young Jr. (2007-2009) * Zachary J. Lemnios (2009-2011) * Frank Kendall III (2011-2012) * Alan R. Shaffer (2012-2013) * Alan R. Shaffer (2013-2015) * Stephen P. Welby (2015-2017) * Mary J. Miller (2017-2018) * Michael D. Griffin (2018-2020) * Mark T. Esper (2020) * Heidi Shyu (2021-present)

● Authorities and Legislation

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is authorized by Title 10 of the United States Code, which outlines the department's organization and functions, including those related to research, development, and engineering. The Under Secretary is also guided by various laws and regulations, including the National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Acquisition Reform Act of 2016, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Additionally, the Under Secretary works closely with the Congress of the United States to ensure that the department's research and engineering efforts are aligned with national priorities, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy and the National Security Strategy, and in coordination with other federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Category:United States Department of Defense