Warfare and defence Books

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Book SynopsisThe U.S. insular areas of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and three Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands), face serious economic and fiscal challenges and rely on federal funding to deliver critical services. These insular areas, some of which are under U.S. sovereignty, and some of which are independent nations, rely on federal funding to support their local governments and deliver critical services. This book provides an overview of current issues and challenges facing U.S. insular areas today.

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Book SynopsisChina''s rise as a major international actor is likely to stand out as a defining feature of the strategic landscape of the early 21st century. Sustained economic development has raised the standard of living for China''s citizens and elevated China''s international profile. This development, coupled with an expanding science and technology base, has also facilitated a comprehensive and ongoing military modernisation program. The United States welcomes a strong, prosperous, and successful China that reinforces international rules and norms and enhances security and peace both regionally and globally. This book examines China''s expanding military capabilities which can facilitate co-operation in pursuit of shared objectives with the United States. Strengthening our military-to-military relationship is a critical part of our strategy to shape China''s choices as we seek to capitalise on opportunities for co-operation while mitigating risks.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the policies aimed at promoting integration, combating terrorism, and countering violent extremism in five European countries with significant Muslim populations and the role of the 27-member European Union (EU) in shaping European laws and policies related to integration and counter-radicalisation.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors have gathered and present topical research in the study of the economic, political and social issues facing South Korea today. Topics discussed include the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in South Korea; labor market policy on non-regular employment in South Korea; the elderly population and South Korea''s demographic dilemma; U.S.-South Korea relations and the role, purpose, and results of the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC).

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Book SynopsisThis book begins with an introduction to urban studies and urbanisation. It provides an analysis of the patterns of urbanisation which are essential for an understanding of the internal structure and development of towns in Cameroon. Furthermore, the spatial distribution and growth strength of towns in Cameroon is examined followed by discussions on urban hierarchy and the sub-urbanisation process of the country since 1976. The focus turns to the features linked to urbanisation in Cameroon and the growth prospects of selected towns in the country. This book concludes with a discussion on sustainable urbanisation in Cameroon in order to address some of the concerns of the development goals for the millennium

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Book SynopsisRussia has undertaken several largely piecemeal and halting efforts to revamp the armed forces it inherited from the Soviet Union. In 2007, near the end of then-President Vladimir Putin''s second term in office, he appointed Anatoliy Serdyukov as defense minister as part of an effort to combat corruption in the military and carry out reforms. After the August 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict revealed large-scale Russian military operational failures, the leadership became more determined to boost military capabilities. U.S. government and congressional policymakers are following the progress and goals of these reforms as they consider issues related to U.S.-Russia relations and U.S. national security interests. This book provides information about Russia''s military leadership and structure, the arms industry and effort to modernise weaponry, power projection efforts, and the military budget.

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Book SynopsisThis book considers contending views on security ten years after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington in September 2001. In this context the editors have endeavoured to offer a diverse range of perspectives on security with the intention of contributing to existing literature and understanding of what security means in the first decade after 9/11. The editors have invited perspectives from Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, as well as the United States. Traditional and non-tradition approaches towards security are examined. The diversity of views in this volume is indicative of the range of complex and challenging security issues that exist in the new international environment. This book''s main focus is to showcase important themes in the discourse on broader post-9/11 security debates.

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Book SynopsisSeveral published reports indicate that top Israeli decision-makers now are seriously considering whether to order a military strike on Iran''s nuclear facilities. Israeli officials generally view the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran as an unacceptable threat to Israeli security, with some viewing it as an existential threat. This book analyses key factors that may influence current Israeli political decisions relating to a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. These include, the views of and relationships among Israeli leaders; the views of the Israeli public; U.S., regional, and international stances and responses as perceived and anticipated by Israel; Israeli estimates of the potential effectiveness and risks of a possible strike; and responses Israeli leaders anticipate from Iran and Iranian-allied actors, including Hezbollah and Hamas, regionally and internationally.

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Book SynopsisIn the Autumn of 2011, the Obama Administration issued a series of announcements indicating that the United States would be expanding and intensifying its already significant role in the Asia-Pacific, particularly in the southern part of the region. The fundamental goal underpinning the shift is to devote more effort to influencing the development of the Asia-Pacific''s norms and rules, particularly as China emerges as an ever-more influential regional power. Given that one purpose of the "pivot" or "rebalancing" toward the Asia-Pacific is to deepen U.S. credibility in the region at a time of fiscal constraint, Congress''s oversight and appropriations roles, as well as its approval authority over free trade agreements, will help determine to what extent the Administration''s plans are implemented and how various trade-offs are managed. This book examines U.S. and Asia-Pacific countries relations with a focus on Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Guam, Singapore and Taiwan.

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Book SynopsisThe preparation of a national energy policy in which priorities and preferences are identified should be one of the main responsibilities of national authorities in charge of the energy sector. It is important that every country''s energy mix involves a range of national preferences and priorities reflected in national policies and strategies to be applied in order to satisfy the foresee increase in the electricity demand. These policies and strategies should represent a compromise between expected energy shortages, environmental quality, energy security, energy cost, public attitudes, safety and security, available skills, as well as production and service capabilities. Relevant national authorities must take all of these elements into account when formulating an energy policy and strategy.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores current foreign relations and economic ties with North Korea. Topics discussed in this compilation include foreign assistance to North Korea including energy aid and food assistance; China-North Korea relations including PRC objectives and policy issues for the United States; the legislative basis for U.S. economic sanctions; imports from North Korea including existing rules, implications of the KORUS FTA and the Kaesong Industrial Complex and non-governmental organisations'' (NGOs) activities in North Korea.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains chapters on education leadership, management and governance in relation to schools in South Africa supplemented with a chapter on gender issues in Zimbabwe. It has been fifteen years since a new Constitution dawned, which promised a society based on the people of South Africa, that recognised the injustices of the past and would be built on fundamental human rights and justice for all no matter their race, ethnicity, or economic power. South Africa has moved a long way in developing a democratic society. The emergence of this book is the result of a collaborative effort of people with diverse cultural, social and ethnic roots, who share a common belief in the development of a just and equal society, and who share a specific interest in developing schools as a fundamental element in developing this equal and just society.

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Book SynopsisGreece is at a critical juncture of its recent history. The economic policies of the last three decades have brought it close to bankruptcy. Much of the debate about Greece''s current problems has focused on the short-run management of the crisis. This book contributes to public debate by bringing into discussion important economic, political and social issues which have played a major role in preventing Greece''s transformation into a modern capitalist economy.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores Hong Kong today and since the People''s Republic of China (China) resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997, an event frequently referred to as the "Handover". Discussed are the prospects for democracy in Hong Kong and the 2012 election reforms; the political and economic climates; the civil liberties of the people of Hong Kong and the recent social and cultural trends.

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Book SynopsisChile is recognised around the world for a strong economy, openness and political stability. There have been important advances in our economic model, educational system, and environmental regulation for sustainability, but further work needs to be done to improve Chilean competiveness and, most importantly, citizens'' welfare. This book presents recent research on environmental, political and social issues in Chile. Each chapter provides diagnostic information and presents proposals and new ideas for sustainable development in Chile. This book explores the current situation of water resource management in Chile, as well as the implications of the exploitation of natural resources on the economic and social dimensions. The dynamics of urban expansion and structure in Chilean cities is also analysed. Regarding the social dimension, immigration and gender issues are included, as well as a sound diagnosis of the higher education system.

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Book SynopsisThe federal government''s basic procurement or acquisition process involves an agency identifying the goods and services it needs, determining the most appropriate method for purchasing these items, and carrying out the acquisition. Although this process is simple in theory, any given procurement can be complex, involving a multitude of decisions and actions. A contracting officer may need to determine, for example, whether to use a federal supply schedule, what type of contract to use, whether simplified acquisition procedures may be used, or whether the procurement should be set aside for small businesses. This book describes the most common elements of the federal procurement process and resources that may be used in that process. Also discussed is the Buy American Act; government procurement in times of fiscal uncertainty; environmental considerations in federal procurement; The Berry Amendment; multiyear procurement (MYP) and block buy contracting in defense; and legal requirements for contract types.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles articles from the Asia Pacific Journal of Life Sciences. Topics discussed include clinical colposcopic practive guideline for colposcopists consulted by cervical-cancer-prevention via providers; knowledge increased after training via cryotherapy clinical-training-skill course of the Thai department of health; and benchmarking a novel linear regression model for evaluating the relationship between AHI and height in senior sleep apneics.

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Book SynopsisThe State Partnership Program (SPP) is a Department of Defense security cooperation program run by the National Guard. It also serves as a mechanism for training National Guard personnel. Since the program began in 1992, it has expanded to the point where nearly every state National Guard participates, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The SPP relates to several areas of potential interest to Congress, including improving the capabilities of partner nations to protect their citizens; strengthening relationships with partners to facilitate cooperation, access, and interoperability; improving cultural awareness and skills among U.S. military personnel; and fostering the integration of reserve and active component forces into a "total force." This book provides an overview of the origin and development of the program; summarizes its unique aspects; and outlines its statutory basis, funding mechanisms, organization, and activities; with a focus on recent legislative and executive branch actions.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the strategic risk posed by a smaller and restructured Army; the "health" of the Army given the impending downsizing; the draw-down and restructuring of the U.S. Army, including the role of the National Guard and Reserves. On 26 January 2012, senior DOD leadership unveiled a new defence strategy based on a review of potential future security challenges, current defence strategy, and budgetary constraints. This new strategy envisions a smaller, leaner Army that is agile, flexible, rapidly deployable, and technologically advanced. This strategy will rebalance the Army''s global posture and presence, emphasising where potential problems are likely to arise, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. The proposals to draw-down and restructure the Army have a number of strategic implications, including the capability to conduct stability and counterinsurgency operations, the ability to fight two simultaneous wars, shifting strategic emphasis to the Asia-Pacific region, and how the Army will maintain presence in the Middle East.

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Book SynopsisAl Qaeda has evolved into a significantly different terrorist organization than the one that perpetrated the September 11, 2001, attacks. At the time, Al Qaeda was composed mostly of a core cadre of veterans of the Afghan insurgency against the Soviet Union, with a centralized leadership structure made up mostly of Egyptians. Most of the organization''s plots either emanated from the top or were approved by the leadership. Some would argue that the Al Qaeda of that period no longer exists. Out of necessity, due to pressure from the security community, in the ensuing years it has transformed into a diffuse global network and philosophical movement composed of dispersed nodes with varying degrees of independence. Understanding the origins of Al Qaeda, its goals, current activities, and prospective future pursuits is key to developing sound U.S. strategies, policies, and programs. The focus of this book is on the history of Al Qaeda, known (or attributed) actions and suspected capabilities of the organization and non-aligned entities, and an analysis of select regional Al Qaeda affiliates.

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Book SynopsisThe Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty would ban all nuclear explosions. It was opened for signature in 1996. As of March 2008, 178 nations had signed it and 144 had ratified. To enter into force, 44 specified nations must ratify it; 35 have done so. The Senate rejected the treaty in 1999; the Bush Administration opposes it. The United States has observed a nuclear test moratorium since 1992. This book discusses elements, arguments and analysis on the comprehensive nuclear-test ban treaty.

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Book SynopsisSharing terrorism-related information between state, local and federal officials is crucial to protecting the United States from another terrorist attack. Achieving this objective was the motivation for Congress and the White House to invest hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars over the last nine years in support of dozens of state and local fusion centres across the United States. Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead this initiative. A bipartisan investigation has found, however, that DHS'' work with those state and local fusion centres has not produced useful intelligence to support federal counter-terrorism efforts. This book offers recommendations to clarify DHS'' role with respect to state and local fusion centres; to improve oversight of federal grand funds supporting fusion centres; conduct promised assessments of fusion centre information-sharing; and strengthen its protection of civil liberties in fusion centre intelligence reporting.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the Coast Guard''s programs for procuring eight National Security Cutters, 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters, and 58 Fast Response Cutters. These 91 planned cutters are intended as replacements for 90 ageing Coast Guard cutters and patrol craft. Additionally discussed is the sustainment and modernization of the Coast Guard''s polar icebreaker fleet, which performs a variety of missions supporting U.S. interests in polar regions. The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify Coast Guard funding and modernization requests and acquisition strategies. Congressional decisions could affect the Coast Guard''s capabilities and funding requirements, the performance of polar missions and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.

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Book SynopsisState and local law enforcement and homeland security officials, in partnership with local community members, are the first line of defence against the evolving threat posed by violent extremism -- ideologically motivated violence to further political goals. In recent history, the United States has faced violent extremist plots by neo-Nazis and other anti-Semitic hate groups, racial supremacists, and international and domestic terrorist groups. Given the critical role state and local law enforcement officers play in countering violent extremism (CVE), it is important that they receive high-quality CVE-related training. This book provides an assessment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice''s (DOJ) efforts to ensure the quality of violent extremism training that the departments provide or fund for state and local partners.

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Book SynopsisA democratic society is grounded on the informed participation of the citizenry, which in turn requires access to Government information. If officials are to be accountable for their actions and decisions, secrecy must be kept to the minimum necessary to meet legitimate national security considerations. An open documentary record of official decisions is essential to educate and inform the public and enable it to assess the policies of its elected leaders. While agencies need to modernise and improve overall records management performance, classified records pertaining to our nation''s security demand particular attention. Current practices for handling classification, declassification, and management of these records are outmoded, unsustainable, and keep too much information from the public. This book takes a look at transforming the security classification system and improving declassification efforts across government agencies.

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Book SynopsisSince 2002, the United States has operated military detention facilities at its Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold individuals detained during overseas counter-terrorism operations. In 2009, the President directed the closure of these facilities within one year. Since then, a number of statues have prohibited the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States. This book describes the current Guantanamo Bay detention facilities and infrastructure; examines the DoD corrections facilities and factors to be considered if these facilities were used to hold the detainees; and discusses other security and legal considerations.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the U.S.-foreign partnership efforts to prevent nuclear smuggling and terrorist travel. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) established the Megaports Initiative in 2003 to deter, detect, and interdict nuclear or other radiological materials smuggled through foreign seaports. The Initiative funds the installation of radiation detection equipment at select seaports overseas and trains foreign personnel to use this equipment to scan shipping containers entering and leaving these seaports, regardless of destination. Additionally, the U.S. government has identified four key gaps in foreign countries'' capacity to prevent terrorist travel overseas. The book evaluates how U.S. capacity-building efforts address those gaps and assesses the extent to which the U.S. government is measuring progress in its efforts to close those gaps.

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Book SynopsisIn April 2009, then Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced he intended to significantly restructure the Army''s Future Combat System (FCS) program. The FCS was a multiyear, multibillion dollar program that had been underway since 2000 and was at the heart of the Army''s transformation efforts. It was to be the Army''s major research, development, and acquisition program, consisting of 18 manned and unmanned systems tied together by an extensive communications and information network. This book provides an overview of the development and considerations of the Department of Defense with regard to combat and tactical vehicles, with a focus on the Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC); the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV); Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles; and other defence acquisitions.

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Book SynopsisThe Panel on Business Challenges within the Defense Industry conducted hearings, held roundtable discussions with industry, and reviewed many studies and publications that have examined the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) in order to gain insight into the complexity of the industrial base and the wide variety of factors influencing business behaviour and the shaping of the DIB. These efforts highlighted that the DIB is unique in that the Department of Defense (DOD) plays a role as both the customer and regulator of the DIB. This book provides several recommendations that the Panel believes will improve the defence business environment, reduce barriers to entry, spur innovation, increase competition, and aid in getting critical technology into the hands of the Warfighter.

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Book SynopsisMost analysts consider non-strategic weapons to be shorter-range delivery systems with lower yield warheads that might be used to attack troops or facilities on the battlefield. These weapons have a lower profile in policy debates and arms control negotiations, possibly because they do not pose a direct threat to the continental United States. This book provides basic information about U.S., Russian, North Korean and Pakistani nuclear weapons. It begins with a brief discussion of how these weapons have appeared in public debates in the past few decades, then summarises the differences between strategic and non-strategic nuclear weapons. Historical background is discussed, describing the numbers and types of non-strategic nuclear weapons deployed during the Cold War by the U.S. and Russia, and in the past decade; the policies that have guided the deployment and prospective use of these weapons; and the measures taken to reduce and contain them. Also discussed is what is known about North Korea''s nuclear weapons program and Pakistan''s nuclear arsenal.

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Book SynopsisOn 24 February 2011, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the Boeing Company as the winner of a competition to build 179 new KC-46A aerial refuelling tankers for the Air Force, a contract valued at roughly $35 billion. Prior to the announcement, the program had been known as KC-X. This book examines the KC-46A acquisition program which is a subject of intense interest because of the dollar value of the contract, the number of jobs it would create, the importance of tanker aircraft to U.S. military operations, and because DOD''s previous attempts to acquire a new tanker since 2001 had ultimately failed.

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Book SynopsisIn most years, the Department of Defense (DoD) provides a five-year plan, called the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP), associated with the budget that it submits to Congress. Because decisions made in the near term can have consequences for the defence budget well beyond that period, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regularly examines the FYDP and projects budgetary impact over several decades. The CBO has produced two projections of the base-budget costs of the DoD''s plans as reflected in the FYDP and other long-term planning documents released by the department. Under either projection, the costs for DoD''s plans would exceed the funding that the department can receive through 2021 under the caps established by the Budget Control Act of 2011. This book presents the results of these projections, wherein the CBO has projected the costs of DoD''s defence plans over the next 18 years, with a focus on gaining a more complete picture of the funding that may be needed for defence planning.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines how the Department of Defense and its Armed Services -- the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force (the Services) respond to Service members who report having been sexually assaulted and how it investigates and disciplines Service members accused of perpetrating sexual assault. This book also reviews how the military educates Service members and trains military criminal investigators and military lawyers about sexual assault offences. The topic is both relevant and timely, as Congress is currently considering ways to address this issue.

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Book SynopsisIn early 2007, after several years of internal discussions and consultations with Poland and the Czech Republic, the Bush Administration formally proposed to defend against an Iranian missile threat by deploying a ground-based mid-course defense (GMD) element in Europe as part of the global U.S. BMDS (Ballistic Missile Defense System). The system would have included 10 interceptors in Poland, a radar in the Czech Republic, and another radar that would have been deployed in a country closer to Iran, to be completed by 2013 at a reported cost of at least $4 billion. The proposed European BMD capability raised a number of foreign policy challenges in Europe and with Russia. The United States negotiated and signed agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic, but for a number of reasons those agreements were not ratified by the end of the Bush Administration. This book examines the long-range ballistic missile defense in Europe. It also discusses the implementation challenges for future capabilities in Europe; and actions needed to address these implementation issues.

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Book SynopsisThe national defence strategy of the United States is evolving in response to changing global environments. As Congress responds to these changes, an important aspect is the responsibility for oversight and appropriations for an aging tactical airlift fleet. The United States primary tactical airlift aircraft is the C-130. Nicknamed the Hercules, this venerable aircraft has been the workhorse of U.S. tactical airlift for the past 57 years. The majority of C-130s in the U.S. government are assigned to the U.S. Air Force, but the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard also operate sizeable C-130 fleets. The potential concerns for Congress include oversight of and appropriations for an aging C-130 fleet. This book discusses the background of the C-130 aircraft as well as the issues involved.

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Book SynopsisThe Department of Defense (DOD) acquires goods and services from contractors, federal arsenals, and shipyards to support military operations. Acquisition is a broad term that applies to more than just the purchase of an item or service; the acquisition process encompasses the design, engineering, construction, testing, deployment, sustainment, and disposal of weapons or related items purchased from a contractor. This book provides an overview of the process by which the Department of Defense acquires weapon systems and discusses recent major efforts by Congress and DOD to improve the performance of the acquisition system. It also discusses the DOD''s use of contractors to support military and the Nun-McCurdy Act.

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