United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2008-08-15 monographic deposited born digital 42 p. GA 1.13:GAO-08-877 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877 P0b002ee180382311 f:d08877 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877 GAO-08-877 Communication devices Comparative analysis Cost analysis Defense capabilities Defense communications Defense procurement Government owned equipment Military communication Military forces Military procurement Military radio Military training Needs assessment Procurement Procurement planning Requirements definition Strategic planning Systems design Systems evaluation Systems management Cost estimates DOD Joint Tactical Radio System Other Written Product A83568 The Department of Defense (DOD) has spent an estimated $12 billion on the development and production of tactical radios over the last 5 years--about as much as was spent producing Virginia Class submarines ($10.8 billion) in the same period. Survivability and lethality in warfare are increasingly dependent on superior information and communication capabilities. DOD is counting on the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) to deliver the breakthroughs in this area. At the same time as it is developing JTRS, DOD wants to ensure that current forces are equipped with sufficient legacy radios. To address Subcommittee concerns regarding DOD's approach to meeting current and future radio needs, GAO examined this subject. In response, this report addresses (1) how planned investments in key tactical radio systems changed over the last 5 years, (2) why these changes occurred, and (3) the challenges ahead. To assess these topics, GAO's work included reviewing 2003 through 2007 budget requests, legacy radio procurements, and the status of the JTRS program; and interviewing officials from DOD organizations. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877.pdf GAO-08-877 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-877 Other Written Product GAO-08-877; Defense Acquisitions: Department of Defense Needs Framework for Balancing Investments in Tactical Radios; Communication devices Comparative analysis Cost analysis Defense capabilities Defense communications Defense procurement Government owned equipment Military communication Military forces Military procurement Military radio Military training Needs assessment Procurement Procurement planning Requirements definition Strategic planning Systems design Systems evaluation Systems management Cost estimates DOD Joint Tactical Radio System