Current Task Forces
Strategic Options
2023-01-31
This study should identify effective weapon system concepts and operational concepts to rebalance intervention cost and benefit in order to regain the operational dominance that the United States Armed Forces achieved for the past 25 years. The concepts may devolve from novel technology, improvements in training and doctrine, alliance building, or exploitation of inherent asymmetric vulnerabilities of adversaries. The goal is to deter local conflict involving allies or partners, and to prevail at the lowest ‘cost’ should deterrence fail.
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2023 Summer Study on Climate Change and Global Security
2023-01-10
The objective of this Summer Study is to recommend a strategy for anticipating the global stresses and possible conflict due to climate change, as well as to provide investment priorities for new systems and technology to address the near-, mid-, and far-term needs.
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Secure Electronic Processing
2022-11-09
The security, availability, and reliability of electronic equipment, information technology systems, and embedded systems are at risk in an operational environment where abundant threats exist that endanger system capability. This Task Force has been established to provide advice and recommendations on implementing solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities and increase the resilience of DoD's electronic systems.
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Commercial Space System Access and Integrity
2022-11-09
This Task Force has beeen established to provide advice and recommendations on commercial space systems. The DoD increasingly uses access to commercial space systems for imagery, communication, and other purposes. Technological improvements in commercial space technology continues to enhance the quality and accessibility of commercial space products in ways that provide significant value for DoD operational needs. Because of the rapidly improving commercial space capabilities and access, a comprehensive plan for using commercial space systems in the context of classified U.S. space capabilities is needed.
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Balancing Openness and Security Across the DoD Academic Research Enterprise
2022-09-20
This Task Force should review the USD(R&E) fourteen Critical Technology Areas and provide a report with recommendations regarding a decision framework that achieves the right balance of openness and security for each area.
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Tabletop Exercise (Asia Pacific)
2022-08-17
The objective of this DSB Tabletop Exercise is to provide an opportunity for the DSB to recommend concepts, capabilities, strategies, courses of action, and decisions in the scientific and technical enterprise that would inform decision-making by DoD senior leaders, enabling them to enhance the military advantage of the U.S. in the Asia Pacific region. In conducting this Tabletop Exercise, the DSB should focus on matters concerning science, technology, manufacturing, and acquisition process.
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Digital Engineering Capability to Automate Testing and Evaluation
2022-07-10
Section 231(f) of the NDAA for 2020 Public Law 116-02, directs the DSB to complete an independent assessment of the progress made by the Secretary of Defense in implementing sections 231(a) through (c) of the FY2020 NDAA.
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Test and Evaluation
2022-07-10
The 2022 NDAA legislated that the Secretary of Defense direct the DSB to "carry out a study on the resources and capabilities of the test and evaluation organizations, facilities, and laboratories of the Department of Defense." This Task Force has been established to carry out the tasks identified in the terms of reference and provide its findings and recommendations to the USD(R&E).
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2022 Summer Study on Technology Superiority
2022-07-05
The objective of this Summer Study is to recommend concepts, capabilities, and strategies that may enhance the military technological advantage of the United States. The Summer Study should examine the fourteen critical technology areas identified in the USD(R&E)’s Technology Vision for an Era of Competition (“the Technology Vision”) and provide options for the Department to champion associated research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation in these domains.
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Permanent Subcommittee on Threat Reduction
2022-05-06
With the return of great power competition and the lessons that history has taught us about the continuing evolution of WMD threats, the Permanent Subcommittee on Threat Reduction is established to examine on an ongoing basis how effectively the Department of Defense is – or should be – deterring, countering, and mitigating such threats against the nation, its military forces, and allies.
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Permanent Subcommittee on Nuclear Weapons Surety
2022-05-06
This Permanent Subcommittee is tasked to provide continuous, independent technical and programmatic advice regarding the safety, security, control, and reliability of the nuclear enterprise. It will play an independent role in ensuring that new technologies and ideas improve the safety, security, and reliability of our nuclear deterrent through the modernization and sustainment lifecycle. This Permanent Subcommittee will also continuously assess the progress of the nuclear modernization and sustainment programs overall.
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Advise Implementation and Prioritization of National Security Innovation Activities
2021-11-09
Section 213 (a) of the NDAA for FY2021 requires establishment of a mechanism to seek advice from existing Federal advisory committees on matters relating to USD(R&E) activities required in Section 230 (a) of the FY2019 NDAA, specifically: a) the implementation and prioritization of activities; and b) determining how such activities may be used to support the overall technology strategy of the Department of Defense.
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Future Cyber Warfighting Capabilities of the Department of Defense
2021-01-21
Section 1655 of the NDAA for FY2020 requires the Secretary of Defense direct the DSB to conduct a study on future cyber warfighting capabilities. Areas of study to include; a technical evaluation of the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture of the Department; a technical evaluation of the tool development and acquisition programs; an evaluation of the operational planning and targeting of USCYBERCOM; and development of recommendations for legislative or administrative action related to the future cyber warfighting capabilities of the Department.
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Emerging Biotechnologies and National Security
2021-01-21
Section 263 of the NDAA for FY2020 requires the Secretary of Defense direct the DSB to "carry out a study on the emerging biotechnologies pertinent to national security." This study is tasked to examine ways in which the DOD can take better advantage of the rapidly expanding technologies in biology, and to better understand and prepare for their application or misuse by adversaries.
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2020 Summer Study on New Dimensions of Conflict
2019-12-19
This study will consider future dimensions of conflict that might be exploited by our near-peer competitors, Russian and China, and adversaries to impose their will on other states. The DSB should consider any new dimension wherein our strategic competitors or adversaries have both the intent and potential capability to operate and exert influence counter to U.S. interests.
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Position, Navigation, and Timing Control
2019-12-06
This study will identify and recommend specific architectures and operational approaches to enhance current PNT and support communications missions as well as provide ability to deny and confound other space based PNT systems over the next 10 years. Also, the Task Force will consider what synergy and dual use opportunities are possible for both PNT and communication missions across military, government infrastructure, and commercial applications.
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21st Century Industrial Base for National Defense
2019-10-30
This study will examine the character of the evolving threat as well as the Science and Technology needs of the defense industrial base exposes U.S. security to significant risk in its present form. The homeland-and the defense industrial base-is no longer a sanctuary and must be protected from adversary kinetic and non-kinetic attack even as the homeland operates in a global defense¬industrial environment. This study will focus on the proactive steps needed to increase the depth, breadth, and security of our defense industrial base.
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Department of Defense Dependencies on Critical Infrastructure
2019-10-30
This study is charged to investigate DOD's dependencies on non-DOD owned critical infrastructure with a focus on the energy, water, transportation, and communications sectors, and potential vulnerabilities and consequences from intentional multi-domain attacks against them. The Task Force should also assess how well the Department has addressed any issues related to its reliance on the DIB, for which it has direct responsibility.
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