00 000 2000 106 th Congress 2nd Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Report 106 616 FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 R E P O R T OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON H.R. 4205 together with ADDITIONAL VIEWS [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] [Graphic Image Not Available] May 12, 2000.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 64 304 2000 106 th Congress 2nd Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Report 106 616 FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 R E P O R T OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON H.R. 4205 together with ADDITIONAL VIEWS [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] [Graphic Image Not Available] May 12, 2000.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS FLOYD D. SPENCE, South Carolina, Chairman BOB STUMP, Arizona IKE SKELTON, Missouri DUNCAN HUNTER, California NORMAN SISISKY, Virginia JOHN R. KASICH, Ohio JOHN M. SPRATT, Jr., South Carolina HERBERT H. BATEMAN, Virginia SOLOMON P. ORTIZ, Texas JAMES V. HANSEN, Utah OWEN PICKETT, Virginia CURT WELDON, Pennsylvania LANE EVANS, Illinois JOEL HEFLEY, Colorado GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi JIM SAXTON, New Jersey NEIL ABERCROMBIE, Hawaii STEVE BUYER, Indiana MARTIN T. MEEHAN, Massachusetts TILLIE K. FOWLER, Florida ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD, Guam JOHN M. McHUGH, New York PATRICK J. KENNEDY, Rhode Island JAMES TALENT, Missouri ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH, Illinois TERRY EVERETT, Alabama SILVESTRE REYES, Texas ROSCOE G. BARTLETT, Maryland TOM ALLEN, Maine HOWARD ``BUCK'' McKEON, California VIC SNYDER, Arkansas J.C. WATTS, Jr., Oklahoma JIM TURNER, Texas MAC THORNBERRY, Texas ADAM SMITH, Washington JOHN N. HOSTETTLER, Indiana LORETTA SANCHEZ, California SAXBY CHAMBLISS, Georgia JAMES H. MALONEY, Connecticut VAN HILLEARY, Tennessee MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina JOE SCARBOROUGH, Florida CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ, Texas WALTER B. JONES, Jr., North Carolina CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California JIM RYUN, Kansas ROBERT BRADY, Pennsylvania BOB RILEY, Alabama ROBERT E. ANDREWS, New Jersey JIM GIBBONS, Nevada BARON P. HILL, Indiana MARY BONO, California MIKE THOMPSON, California JOSEPH PITTS, Pennsylvania JOHN B. LARSON, Connecticut ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina STEVEN KUYKENDALL, California DONALD SHERWOOD, Pennsylvania Robert S. Rangel, Staff Director C O N T E N T S Purpose 2 Relationship of Authorization to Appropriations 2 Summary of Authorization in the Bill 2 Summary Table of Authorizations 3 Rationale for the Committee Bill 10 Hearings 17 DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION 19 TITLE I--PROCUREMENT 19 OVERVIEW 19 Aircraft Procurement, Army 22 Overview 22 Items of Special Interest 26 AH 64 modifications 26 Airborne reconnaissance low (ARL) 26 Airborne communications 26 Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) 27 Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) modifications 27 CH 47 Chinook/UH 60 Blackhawk crashworthy fuel tanks 28 Helicopter crashworthy seats 28 TH 67 Creek 28 UH 60 Blackhawk 29 Missile Procurement, Army 29 Overview 29 Items of Special Interest 32 Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) system summary 32 Multipurpose individual munition (MPIM) advance procurement 32 Patriot advanced capability-2 (PAC 2) 32 Patriot anti-cruise missile (PACM) 32 Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army 33 Overview 33 Items of Special Interest 37 Armored vehicle launch bridge (AVLB) service life extension program (SLEP) 37 Bradley base sustainment 37 Bradley fighting vehicle system (BFVS) series (modifications) 37 Heavy assault bridge (HAB) system 38 Improved recovery vehicle (IRV) 38 Industrial preparedness 38 M1 Abrams tank modifications 39 M113 carrier modifications 39 M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) 39 MK19 3 grenade launcher 40 Small arms production industrial base 40 Ammunition Procurement, Army 40 Overview 40 Items of Special Interest 44 Army ammunition procurement 44 Other Procurement, Army 44 Overview 44 Items of Special Interest 54 Army data distribution system (ADDS) 54 Automated data processing equipment (ADPE) 54 Army training modernization 54 Combat support medical 55 Combat training centers instrumentation support 55 Communications equipment system upgrades 56 Construction equipment service life extension program (SLEP) 56 Cranes 57 Deployable universal combat earthmovers (DEUCE) 57 Family of heavy tactical vehicles (FHTV) 57 Family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) 58 High mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) 58 Hydraulic excavator (HYEX) 58 Information system security program (ISSP) 59 Integrated family of test equipment (IFTE) 59 Laundries, showers, and latrines 59 Lightweight maintenance enclosure (LME) 60 M56 smoke generator system 60 M915/M916 line haul truck tractor 60 Night vision devices 60 Nonsystem training devices 61 Reserve component automation system (RCAS) 61 Ribbon bridge 62 Single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) family 62 Small tug 63 Standard integrated command post system (SICPS) 63 Standard teleoperating kit 63 Vibratory self-propelled roller 64 Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Army 64 Overview 64 Items of Special Interest 66 Chemical agents and munitions destruction 66 Aircraft Procurement, Navy 66 Overview 66 Items of Special Interest 71 Advanced helicopter emergency egress lighting system (ADHEELS) 71 AN/AVR 2A laser detecting set 71 AV 8B 71 C 40A 72 CH 60S 72 2 modifications 72 EA 6B modifications 73 73 F/A 18C/D tactical aircraft moving map capability (TAMMAC) 74 F/A 18E/F 75 HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program 75 H 46 modifications 76 H 53 modifications 76 KC 130J 76 T 45 training system (TS) 77 Tactical air reconnaissance pod system (TARPS)-completely digital (CD) 77 UC 35 78 Weapons Procurement, Navy 78 Overview 78 Items of Special Interest 82 Hellfire II missile 82 Improved tactical air-launched decoy (ITALD) 82 Joint standoff weapon (JSOW) 82 Standoff land attack missile-expanded response (SLAM ER) 82 Ammunition Procurement, Navy/Marine Corps 83 Overview 83 Items of Special Interest 84 Navy ammunition procurement 84 Marine Corps ammunition procurement 84 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy 84 Overview 84 Items of Special Interest 89 LHD 8 amphibious assault ship 89 Auxiliary dry cargo ship 89 Submarine force level 89 Submarine refueling overhauls 90 Other Procurement, Navy 91 Overview 91 Items of Special Interest 101 AN/SPS 73 (V) surface search radar 101 Aviation life support 101 Education support equipment 101 High-pressure cleaner 101 Joint tactical terminal 102 Mobile remote emitter simulator (MRES) 102 Nuclear attack submarine (SSN) acoustics 102 Operating forces industrial plant equipment 103 Other training equipment 103 Sonobuoys 103 Undersea warfare support equipment 103 WSN 7B ring laser gyro (RLG) 104 Procurement, Marine Corps 104 Overview 104 Items of Special Interest 109 Command post systems 109 High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) 109 Improved recovery vehicle (IRV) 109 Material handling equipment 110 Modification kits (intelligence) 110 Radio systems 111 Small unit riverine craft (SURC) 111 Training devices 111 Aircraft Procurement, Air Force 112 Overview 112 Items of Special Interest 119 A 10 modifications 119 Aircraft navigational and passenger safety equipment 119 C 130 modifications 120 Compass call block 30/35 mission crew simulator (MCS) 120 C 135 modifications 121 C 17 121 C 17 reverse-affiliate units 122 Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 56 122 Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 80 124 124 125 125 126 127 8C joint surveillance and target attack radar system (STARS) 128 Lightweight environmentally sealed parachute assembly (LESPA) 128 Predator 128 T 3A modifications 129 Ammunition Procurement, Air Force 129 Overview 129 Missile Procurement, Air Force 132 Overview 132 Items of Special Interest 136 AGM 65 modifications 136 Medium launch vehicle (MLV) 136 Titan 136 Other Procurement, Air Force 136 Overview 136 Items of Special Interest 142 Automatic data processing equipment (ADPE) 142 AN/FPS 117 radar beacon replacement 142 Eagle vision 142 Rivet joint mission trainer (RJMT) 142 Senior scout 143 Situation awareness data link (SADL) gateway for the theater air control system (TACS) 143 Supply asset tracking system (SATS) 143 Procurement, Defense-Wide 144 Overview 144 Items of Special Interest 149 Automated document conversion system (ADCS) 149 Counternarcotics discreet operations radio (CONDOR) 149 Patriot advanced capability 3 (PAC 3) 149 Portable intelligence collection and relay capability (PICRC) 149 Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense 150 Overview 150 Items of Special Interest 152 Chemical agents and munitions destruction 152 Chemical stockpile disposal project 152 Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness project (CSEPP) 153 Alternative technologies and approaches project 153 Non-stockpile chemical materiel project 153 Chemical agent identification sets 154 Assembled chemical weapons assessment (ACWA) 154 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 155 Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations 155 Sections 101 107--Authorization of Appropriations 155 Subtitle B--Army Programs 155 Section 111--Multiyear Procurement Authority 155 Section 112--Increase in Limitation on Number of Bunker Defeat Munitions that May be Acquired 155 Section 113--Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support Initiative 156 Subtitle C--Navy Programs 156 Section 121--Submarine Force Structure 156 Section 122--Virginia Class Submarine Program 156 Section 123--Retention of Configuration of Certain Naval Reserve Frigates 156 Section 124--Extension of Multiyear Procurement Authority for Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers 156 Subtitle D--Air Force Programs 157 Section 131--Annual Report on Operational Status of B 2 Bomber 157 Subtitle E--Joint Programs 157 Section 141--Study of Production Alternatives for the Joint Strike Fighter Program 157 TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION 158 OVERVIEW 158 Army RDT&E 161 Overview 161 Items of Special Interest 170 Advanced artillery systems 170 Advanced battery technology 170 Aircrew coordination training 171 Apache Longbow focused modernization program 171 Army tactical unmanned aerial vehicles 171 Breacher system 171 Chinook helicopter modification and improvement 172 Comanche 172 Combat identification dismounted soldier (CIDDS) 173 Combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser 173 Common ground station 173 Communications and networking technologies 174 Defense manufacturing technology 174 Emergency preparedness training 175 Future combat system 175 Future rotorcraft technologies 176 Guardrail common sensor 177 Helmet mounted infrared sensor development 177 High-energy laser test facility 177 Hypersonic wind tunnels 177 Integrated inertial measurement unit-geo-positioning system 178 Land information warfare activity 178 Medical errors reduction research 178 Mobile tactical high energy laser 179 National automotive center-university innovative research 179 Passive millimeter wave camera 179 Real-time heart rate variability 179 Semi-automated imagery processor 180 Starstreak 180 Surveillance control data link (SCDL) 180 Thermal fluid based combat feeding system 181 Trajectory correctable munitions 181 Volumetrically controlled manufacturing technology 181 Navy RDT&E 182 Overview 182 Items of Special Interest 193 Advanced amphibious assault vehicle 193 Advanced anti-radiation guided missile 193 Advanced deployable system 194 Advanced technology demonstrations and fleet battle experiments 194 Advanced waterjet propulsor 195 Aircraft survivability study 195 Aviation depot maintenance technology 196 Aviation modernization plan 196 Battle force tactical trainer (BFTT) 197 Beartrap 197 C 2 eight-blade composite propeller system 198 Common command and decision system 198 Common towed array 199 Composite advanced sail development 199 CVNX aircraft carrier design product modeling 200 Distributed engineering plant 200 Distributed marine environment forecast system 201 DP 2 thrust vectoring system proof-of-concept demonstration 201 Dry chemical fire suppressant 202 E2 C2 rotordome and control surface improvements 202 Extended range guided munition 202 203 Fielded system obsolescence, technology insertion and technology refreshment 204 Fleet health technology and occupational lung disease 205 Flight worthy transparent armor system 205 High mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) 206 High performance sigma-delta waveform generator 206 Hybrid fiberoptic/wireless communication technology 206 Hybrid light detection and ranging (LIDAR)/radar technology 207 Hyperspectral research 207 Insensitive munitions 207 Integrated aviation life support systems 208 Integrated semiconductor bridge based fuze 208 Intermediate modulus carbon fiber and ultra-high thermal conductivity graphite fibers 208 Joint forces command operational testbed 209 Joint helmet mounted cueing system 209 Joint tactical combat training system 210 Lightweight environmentally sealed parachute assembly (LESPA) 210 Littoral support fast patrol craft 210 Location of global positioning systems (GPS) jammers 211 Malaria deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine 211 Manned reconnaissance systems 211 Marine Corps dragon warrior UAV 211 Marine mammal research 212 Maritime technology (MARITECH) program 212 Mobile electronic warfare support system 213 Mobile integrated diagnostic and data analysis system (MIDDAS) 213 Multi-function radar/volume search radar and the Navy's radar roadmap 213 Multipurpose processor 214 Naval space surveillance 215 Navy mine countermeasures program 215 Advanced sensors for mine countermeasures and oceanography 215 AN/AQS 20/X mine hunting sonar 216 Synthetic aperture sonar development for long-term mine reconnaissance system 216 Naval modeling and simulation 217 New composite materials for aircraft canopies 217 Optical correlation technology for automatic target recognition 218 Optically multiplexed wideband radar beam-forming array 218 P 3 modernization program 218 P 3 special mission squadron sensor upgrade 219 Parametric airborne dipping sonar 219 Power node control centers 220 Project M 220 Radio frequency integration and testing environment 221 Remote precision gun 221 S 3B surveillance system upgrade program 222 Ship service fuel cell program 222 Silicon carbide and gallium nitride semiconductor substrates 222 Single flux quantum electronics 223 SSGN Conversion 223 Submarine sonar dome window 225 Supply chain management and development best practices 225 Surface ship torpedo defense 226 Tactical unmanned aerial vehicles 226 Vacuum electronics 226 Vectored thrust ducted propeller compound helicopter demonstration 227 Virtual test bed for advanced electrical ship systems 228 Air Force RDT&E 228 Overview 228 Items of Special Interest 239 21st century affordable aircraft thrust demonstration project 239 Aging landing gear life extension 239 Airborne laser 239 Airborne reconnaissance systems 240 Air Force/National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) partnership 241 Air Force science and technology 241 Aerospace propulsion 242 Aircrew laser eye protection 242 Ballistic missile technology 243 Combat identification 243 Composite affordability initiative 243 Low cost launch technology 244 Miniature satellite threat reporting system 244 Specialty aerospace metals 244 Upper atmospheric and astronomical research 245 Advanced message-oriented data security module (AMODSM) 245 B 1B link 16 data link 246 B 2 upgrades 246 B 52 modified miniature receive terminals configuration 247 Defense reconnaissance support program 247 Discoverer II 247 Eagle vision 248 Electronic warfare development 248 Extended range cruise missile (ERCM) 249 Global hawk unmanned aerial vehicle 249 Hyperspectral imagery system 250 Integrated broadcast service 250 Joint ejection seat program 251 Joint strike fighter 252 Military strategic and tactical relay (MILSTAR) 253 Mobile approach control system 254 Multi-link antenna system 254 Satellite control network 255 Small smart munitions 255 Space-based infrared system-high (SBIRS-High) 256 Space-based infrared system-low (SBIRS-Low) 256 Spacelift range system 257 U 2 senior year electro-optic system polarimetry 258 Defense Wide RDT&E 259 Overview 259 Items of Special Interest 268 Advanced sensor applications program 268 Ballistic missile defense (BMD) 268 Advanced technology development 269 Liquid surrogate target 269 National missile defense (NMD) 270 Navy theater wide 271 Russian-American cooperative national missile defense 272 Support technology 272 Wide bandwidth information infrastructure 272 Chemical-biological defense program 273 Chemical and biological defense program initiatives 273 Optical computing device materials for chemical sensors 274 Commercial off-the-shelf-receiver development 274 Competitive sustainment demonstration 275 Complex systems design 275 Computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis 275 Computer network security 276 CV 22 Osprey radar improvements 276 Defense agency science and technology funding 276 Biological warfare defense 277 Computing systems and communications technology 277 Extensible information systems 278 Nuclear sustainment and counter-proliferation technologies 278 Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive research 278 Facial recognition technology 278 High definition displays for military applications 278 High energy laser research and development 279 Defense-wide high energy laser development 279 Free electron laser 280 Solid state laser 280 Information technology, superiority and assurance 281 Interference with global positioning system 282 MC 130 autonomous landing guidance system 282 Medical free electron laser 283 Microelectromechanical systems sensor development 283 National imagery and mapping agency 283 Requirement for ``designated laboratory'' 284 Science and technology affordability initiative 284 Special operations tactical video system 285 Tactical and support aircraft noise reduction 285 Texas regional institute for environmental studies 286 Thermionics for space power systems 286 TRICARE encounter data system 286 Ultra-wideband radar 286 Operational Test and Evaluation, Defense 287 Overview 287 Items of Special Interest 289 Central test and evaluation investment program 289 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 290 Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations 290 Section 201--Authorization of Appropriations 290 Section 202--Amount for Basic and Applied Research 290 Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations 290 Section 211--High Energy Laser Programs 290 Section 212--Management of Space-Based Infrared System-Low 291 Section 213--Joint Strike Fighter 291 Subtitle C--Ballistic Missile Defense 291 Section 231--Funding for Fiscal Year 2001 291 Section 232--Sense of Congress Concerning Commitment to Deploy National Missile Defense 291 Section 233--Reports on Ballistic Missile Threat Posed By North Korea 292 Section 234--Plan to Modify Ballistic Missile Defense Architecture to Cover Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile Threats 292 Section 235--Designation of Airborne Laser Program as a Program Element of Ballistic Missile Defense Program 293 Subtitle D--Other Matters 293 Section 241--Recognition of Those Individuals Instrumental to Naval Research Efforts During the Period from Before World War II Through the End of the Cold War 293 TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 294 OVERVIEW 294 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 324 Budget Request Increases 324 Critical Readiness Accounts 324 Depot maintenance 324 Real property maintenance 324 Miscellaneous unfunded requirements 324 Mobility enhancement funding 325 Training accounts 325 Army Cold Weather Clothing 325 Budget Request Reductions 326 Civilian Personnel Reductions 326 Excess Foreign Currencies Reductions 326 Headquarters Reductions 326 Joint Chiefs of Staff Training Exercises 327 Other Items of Special Interest 327 Accountability of Operation and Maintenance Funding 327 Environmental Issues 327 Fines and Penalties 327 Navy Environmental Leadership Program 328 Intelligence Issues 328 Cryptologic Skills Training 328 Defense Foreign Language Program 328 Distributed Common Ground System 329 Eagle Vision Commercial Imagery 329 Integrated Broadcast Service 330 RC 135 and U 2 Operations and Maintenance 330 Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Issues 330 Armed Forces Recreation Centers 330 Lodging Programs 331 Nonappropriated Fund Support of Official Activities 331 Other Issues 332 Army Apprenticeship Program 332 Army Workload and Performance System 332 Automatic Identification Technology 333 Civilian Air Traffic Controllers 333 Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities 334 Container Freight Station Operations 334 Core Logistics Capabilities 334 Defense Joint Accounting System 335 Defense Personnel Records Imaging System-Electronics Military Personnel Records System 336 Department of Defense Civilian Personnel 336 Personnel safety 336 Recruiting and retention 337 Financial Policy 337 Local School Renovation and Repair 338 Logistics Support Planning 338 Military Affiliate Radio System 339 National Maintenance Program 340 Naval Audit Service 341 Reserve Component Automation System (RCAS) 341 Spare and Repair Parts 341 Urban Warfare Training 342 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 342 Subtitle A--Authorization Of Appropriations 342 Section 301--Operation and Maintenance Funding 342 Section 302--Working Capital Funds 342 Section 303--Armed Forces Retirement Home 343 Section 304--Transfer From National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund 343 Subtitle B--Environmental Provisions 343 Section 311--Payment of Fines and Penalties Imposed for Environmental Violations 343 Section 312--Necessity of Military Low-Level Flight Training to Protect National Security and Enhance Military Readiness 343 Section 313--Use of Environmental Restoration Accounts to Relocate Activities from Defense Environmental Restoration Sites 343 Subtitle C--Commissaries and Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities 343 Section 321--Use of Appropriated Funds to Cover Operating Expenses of Commissary Stores 343 Section 322--Adjustment of Sales Prices of Commissary Store Goods and Services to Cover Certain Expenses 344 Section 323--Use of Surcharges for Construction and Improvement of Commissary Stores 344 Section 324--Inclusion of Magazines and Other Periodicals as an Authorized Commissary Merchandise Category 344 Section 325--Use of Most Economical Distribution Method for Distilled Spirits 345 Section 326--Report on Effects of Availability of Slot Machines on United States Military Installations Overseas 345 Subtitle D--Performance of Functions by Private-Sector Sources 345 Section 331--Inclusion of Additional Information in Reports to Congress Required before Conversion of Commercial or Industrial Type Functions to Contractor Performance 345 Section 332--Limitation Regarding Navy Marine Corps Intranet Contract 345 Subtitle E--Defense Dependents Education 346 Section 341--Assistance to Local Educational Agencies that Benefit Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense Civilian Employees 346 Section 342--Eligibility Requirements for Attendance at Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools 346 Subtitle F--Military Readiness Issues 347 Section 351--Additional Capabilities of, and Reporting Requirements for, the Readiness Reporting System 347 Section 352--Reporting Requirements Regarding Transfers from High-Priority Readiness Appropriations 347 Section 353--Department of Defense Strategic Plan to Reduce Backlog in Maintance and Repair of Defense Facilities 347 Subtitle G--Other Matters 348 Section 361--Authority to Ensure Demilitarization of Significant Military Equipment Formerly Owned by the Department of Defense 348 Section 362--Annual Report on Public Sale of Certain Military Equipment Identified on United States Munitions List 348 Section 363--Registration of Certain Information Technology Systems with Chief Information Officer 349 Section 364--Studies and Reports Required as Precondition to Certain Manpower Reductions 349 Section 365--National Guard Assistance for Certain Youth and Chartable Organizations 349 TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS 352 Subtitle A--Active Forces 352 Section 401--End Strengths for Active Forces 352 Section 402--Revision in Permanent End Strength Minimum Levels 352 Section 403--Adjustment to End Strength Flexibility Authority 353 Subtitle B--Reserve Forces 353 Section 411--End Strengths for Selected Reserve 353 Section 412--End Strengths for Reserves on Active Duty in Support of the Reserves 353 Section 413--End Strength for Military Technicians (Dual Status) 354 Section 414--Increase in Number of Members in Certain Grades Authorized to Be on Active Duty in Support of the Reserves 354 Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations 355 Section 421--Authorization of Appropriations for Military Personnel 355 TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY 358 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 358 Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Office 358 Department of Defense International Student Program at the Military Colleges 358 Funding for Recruiting and Retention 359 Homosexual Conduct Briefings 360 Incentives for Overseas Assignments 360 National Guard Military Technician Overtime Pay 361 Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act 361 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 361 Subtitle A--General Personnel Management Authorities 361 Section 501--Authority for Secretary of Defense to Suspend Certain Personnel Strength Limitations During War or National Emergency 361 Section 502--Authority to Issue Posthumous Commissions in the Case of Members Dying Before Official Recommendation for Appointment or Promotion is Approved by Secretary Concerned 362 Section 503--Technical Correction to Retired Grade Rule for Army and Air Force Officers 362 Section 504--Extension to End of Calendar Year of Expiration Date for Certain Force Drawdown Transition Authorities 362 Section 505--Clarification of Requirements for Composition of Active-Duty List Selection Boards When Reserve Officers are Under Consideration 363 Section 506--Voluntary Separation Incentive 363 Section 507--Congressional Review Period for Assignment of Women to Duty on Submarines and for Any Proposed Reconfiguration or Design of Submarines to Accommodate Female Crew Members 363 Subtitle B--Reserve Component Personnel Policy 363 Section 511--Exemption from Active-Duty List for Reserve Officers on Active Duty for a Period of Three Years or Less 363 Section 512--Exemption of Reserve Component Medical and Dental Officers from Counting in Grade Strengths 363 Section 513--Continuation of Officers on the Reserve Active Status List Without Requirement for Application 364 Section 514--Authority to Retain Reserve Component Chaplains and Officers in Medical Specialties Until Specified Age 364 Section 515--Authority for Temporary Increase in Number of Reserve Component Personnel Serving on Active Duty or Full-Time National Guard Duty in Certain Grades 364 Section 516--Authority for Provision of Legal Services to Reserve Component Members Following Release from Active Duty 364 Section 517--Entitlement to Separation Pay for Reserve Officers Released from Active Duty Upon Declining Selective Continuation on Active Duty After Second Failure of Selection for Promotion 364 Section 518--Extension of Involuntary Civil Service Retirement Date for Certain Reserve Technicians 365 Subtitle C--Education and Training 365 Section 521--College Tuition Assistance Program for Pursuit of Degrees by Members of the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class Program 365 Section 522--Review of Allocation of Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Units Among the Services 365 Section 523--Authority for Naval Postgraduate School to Enroll Certain Defense Industry Civilians in Specified Programs Relating to Defense Product Development 366 Subtitle D--Decorations, Awards, and Commendations 366 Section 531--Authority for Award of the Medal of Honor to Andrew J. Smith for Valor during the Civil War 366 Section 532--Authority for Award of the Medal of Honor to Ed W. Freeman for Valor during the Vietnam Conflict 366 Section 533--Consideration of Proposals for Posthumous or Honorary Promotions or Appointments of Members or Former Members of the Armed Forces and Other Qualified Persons 366 Section 534--Waiver of Time Limitations for Award of Navy Distinguished Flying Cross to Certain Persons 367 Section 535--Addition of Certain Information to Markers on Graves Containing Remains of Certain Unknowns from the U.S.S. ARIZONA Who Died in the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 367 Section 536--Sense of Congress Regarding Final Crew of U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS 367 Section 537--Posthumous Advancement of Rear Admiral (Retired) Husband E. Kimmel and Major General (Retired) Walter C. Short on Retired Lists 367 Section 538--Commendation of Citizens of Remy, France, for World War II Actions 367 Subtitle E--Military Justice Matters 368 Section 541--Recognition by States of Military Testamentary Instruments 368 Section 542--Probable Cause Required for Entry of Names of Subjects into Official Criminal Investigative Reports 368 Section 543--Collection and Use of DNA Identification Information from Violent and Sexual Offenders in the Armed Forces 368 Section 544--Limitation on Secretarial Authority to Grant Clemency for Military Prisoners Serving Sentence of Confinement for Life Without Eligibility for Parole 368 Section 545--Authority for Civilian Special Agents of Military Department Criminal Investigative Organizations to Execute Warrants and Make Arrests 369 Subtitle F--Other Matters 369 Section 551--Funeral Honors Duty Compensation 369 Section 552--Test of Ability of Reserve Component Intelligence Units and Personnel to Meet Current and Emerging Defense Intelligence Needs 369 Section 553--National Guard Challenge Program 369 Section 554--Study of Use of Civilian Contractor Pilots for Operational Support Missions 370 Section 555--Pilot Program to Enhance Military Recruiting by Improving Military Awareness of School Counselors and Educators 370 Section 556--Reimbursement for Expenses Incurred by Members in Connection with Cancellation of Leave on Short Notice 370 TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS 371 OVERVIEW 371 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 372 Briefings on Benefits of Military Service 372 Extension of Time Limitation on Use of Reserve Education Benefits 373 Improved Basic Allowance for Housing 373 Military Pay Day Every 14 Days 373 Pay Table Reform for Mid-Grade Enlisted Members 374 Reimbursement for Reservists' Travel Expenses 374 Reimbursement of Permanent Change of Station Expenses 374 Retired Pay Following Reduction in Grade 375 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 375 Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances 375 Section 601--Increase in Basic Pay for Fiscal Year 2001 375 Section 602--Revised Method for Calculation of Basic Allowance for Subsistence 375 Section 603--Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance for Low-Income Members of the Armed Forces 375 Section 604--Calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing for Inside the United States 376 Section 605--Equitable Treatment of Junior Enlisted Members in Computation of Basic Allowance for Housing 376 Section 606--Basic Allowance for Housing Authorized for Additional Members Without Dependents Who Are on Sea Duty 376 Section 607--Personal Money Allowance for Senior Enlisted Members of the Armed Forces 376 Section 608--Allowance for Officers for Purchase of Required Uniforms and Equipment 377 Section 609--Increase in Monthly Subsistence Allowance for Members of Precommissioning Programs 377 Section 610--Additional Amount Available for Fiscal Year 2001 Increase in Basic Allowance for Housing Inside the United States 377 Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays 377 Section 611--Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pay Authorities for Reserve Forces 377 Section 612--Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pay Authorities for Nurse Officer Candidates, Registered Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists 378 Section 613--Extension of Authorities Relating to Payment of Other Bonuses and Special Pays 378 Section 614--Consistency of Authorities for Special Pay for Reserve Medical and Dental Officers 378 Section 615--Special Pay for Coast Guard Physician Assistants 378 Section 616--Special Duty Assignment Pay for Enlisted Members 378 Section 617--Revision of Career Sea Pay 378 Section 618--Revision of Enlistment Bonus Authority 379 Section 619--Authorization of Retention Bonus for Members of the Armed Forces Qualified in a Critical Military Skill 379 Section 620--Elimination of Required Congressional Notification before Implementation of Certain Special Pay Authority 379 Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances 379 Section 631--Advance Payments for Temporary Lodging of Members and Dependents 379 Section 632--Additional Transportation Allowance Regarding Baggage and Household Effects 379 Section 633--Equitable Dislocation Allowances for Junior Enlisted Members 379 Section 634--Authority to Reimburse Military Recruiters, Senior ROTC Cadre, and Military Entrance Processing Personnel for Certain Parking Expenses 379 Section 635--Expansion of Funded Student Travel for Dependents 380 Subtitle D--Retirement and Survivor Benefit Matters 380 Section 641--Increase in Maximum Number of Reserve Retirement Points That May be Credited in Any Year 380 Section 642--Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan Spousal Consent Requirement 380 Subtitle E--Other Matters 380 Section 651--Participation in Thrift Savings Plan 380 TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS 381 OVERVIEW 381 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 382 Funding for the Defense Health Program 382 Preventive Health Care Services 383 Report on Computer-Based Patient Record and Medical Records Tracking System 383 Report on Mandatory Enrollment Program for TRICARE Beneficaries 384 Subtitle A--Health Care Services 384 Section 701--Two-Year Extension of Authority for Use of Contract Physicians at Military Entrance Processing Stations and Elsewhere Outside Medical Treatment Facilities 384 Section 702--Medical and Dental Care for Medal of Honor Recipients 384 Section 703--Provision of Domiciliary and Custodial Care for CHAMPUS Beneficiaries and Certain Former CHAMPUS Beneficiaries 385 Section 704--Demonstration Project for Expanded Access to Mental Health Counselors 385 Section 705--Teleradiology Demonstration Project 385 Subtitle B--TRICARE Program 386 Section 711--Additional Beneficiaries Under TRICARE Prime Remote Program in the Continental United States 386 Section 712--Elimination of Copayments for Immediate Family 386 Section 713--Modernization of TRICARE Business Practices and Increased Use of Military Treatment Facilities 386 Section 714--Claims Processing Improvements 387 Section 715--Prohibition Against Requirement for Prior Authorization for Certain Referrals; Report on Nonavailability-of-Health-Care Statements 388 Section 716--Authority to Establish Special Locality-Based Reimbursement Rates; Reports 388 Section 717--Reimbursement for Certain Travel Expenses 388 Section 718--Reduction of Catastrophic Cap 388 Section 719--Report on Protections Against Health Care Providers Seeking Direct Reimbursement from Members of the Uniformed Services 389 Section 720--Disenrollment Process for TRICARE Retiree Dental Program 389 Subtitle C--Health Care Programs for Medicare-Eligible Department of Defense Beneficiaries 389 Section 721--Implementation of TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program 389 Section 722--Study on Health Care Options for Medicare-Eligible Military Retirees 390 Section 723--Extended Coverage Under Federal Employees Health Benefits Program 390 Section 724--Extension of TRICARE Senior Supplement Program 391 Section 725--Extension of TRICARE Senior Prime Demonstration Project 391 Subtitle D--Other Matters 391 Section 731--Training in Health Care Management and Administration 391 Section 732--Study of Accrual Financing for Health Care for Military Retirees 391 Section 733--Tracking Patient Safety in Military Medical Treatment Facilities 391 Section 734--Pharmaceutical Identification Technology 392 Section 735--Management of Vaccine Immunization Program 392 Section 736--Study on Feasibility of Sharing Biomedical Research Facility 392 Section 738--VA/DOD Sharing Agreements for Health Services 393 TITLE VIII--ACQUISTION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED MATTERS 394 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 394 Procurement of Military Clothing and Clothing-Related Items by Military Installations in the United States 394 Compliance with Applicable Labor Laws in Procurement of Military Clothing 394 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 394 Section 801--Extension of Authority for Department of Defense Acquisition Pilot Programs; Reports Required 394 Section 802--Technical Data Rights for Items Developed Exclusively at Private Expense 395 Section 803--Management of Acquisition of Mission-Essential Software for Major Defense Acquisition Programs 395 Section 804--Extension of Waiver Period for Live-Fire Survivability Testing for MH 47E and MH 60K Helicopter Modification Programs 395 Section 805--Three-Year Extension of Authority of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to Carry Out Certain Prototype Projects 395 Section 806--Certification of Major Automated Information Systems as to Compliance with Clinger-Cohen Act 396 Section 807--Limitations on Procurement of Certain Items 396 Section 808--Multiyear Services Contracts 396 Section 809--Study on Impact of Foreign Sourcing of Systems on Long-Term Military Readiness and Related Industrial Infrastructure 396 Section 810--Prohibition Against Use of Department of Defense Funds to Give or Withhold a Preference to a Marketer or Vendor of Firearms or Ammunition 397 Section 811--Study and Report on Practice of Contract Bundling in Military Construction Contracts 397 TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANGEMENT 398 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 398 Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs 398 Management Headquarters 399 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 399 Section 901--Change of Title of Certain Positions in the Headquarters, Marine Corps 399 Section 902--Further Reductions in Defense Acquisition and Support Workforce 399 Section 903--Clarification of Scope of Inspector General Authorities under Military Whistleblower Law 400 Section 904--Report on Number of Personnel Assigned to Legislative Liaison Functions 400 Section 905--Joint Report on Establishment of National Collaborative Information Analysis Capability 400 Section 906--Organization and Management of Civil Air Patrol 401 Section 907--Report on Network Centric Warfare 401 Section 908--Defense Institute for Hemispheric Security Cooperation 402 Section 909--Department of Defense Regional Centers for Security Studies 403 Section 910--Change in Name of Armed Forces Staff College to Joint Forces Staff College 403 TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS 404 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 404 Counter-Drug Activities 404 Overview 404 Funding 405 Items of Special Interest 405 Air National Guard fighter operations 405 Coastal Patrol equipment procurement 406 Operation Caper Focus 406 Puerto Rico ROTHR security 406 Southwest border fence 406 OTHER MATTERS 406 Quadrennial Defense Review 406 Department of Defense Personnel Security Investigation Requirements Priorities 407 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 408 Subtitle A--Financial Matters 408 Section 1001--Transfer Authority 408 Section 1002--Incorporation of Classified Annex 408 Section 1003--Authorization of Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 408 Department of Defense 408 Department of Energy 409 Section 1004--Contingent Repeal of Certain Provisions Shifting Certain Outlays from One Fiscal Year to Another 409 Section 1005--Limitation on Funds for Bosnia and Kosovo Peacekeeping Operations for Fiscal Year 2001 409 Subtitle B--Naval Vessels and Shipyards 410 Section 1011--National Defense Features Program 410 Subtitle C--Counter-Drug Activities 410 Section 1021--Report on Department of Defense Expenditures to Support Foreign Counter-Drug Activities 410 Section 1022--Report on Tethered Aerostat Radar System 410 Subtitle D--Other Matters 411 Section 1031--Funds for Administrative Expenses Under Defense Export Loan Guarantee Program 411 Section 1032--Technical and Clerical Amendments 411 Section 1033--Transfer of Vietnam Era TA 4 Aircraft to Nonprofit Foundation 411 Section 1034--Transfer of 19th Century Cannon to Museum 411 Section 1035--Expenditures for Declassification Activities 411 Section 1036--Authority to Provide Loan Guarantees to Improve Domestic Preparedness to Combat Cyberterrorism 412 Section 1037--V 22 Cockpit Aircraft Voice and Flight Data Recorders 413 TITLE XI--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL 414 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 414 Section 1101--Employment and Compensation Provisions for Employees of Temporary Organizations Established by Law or Executive Order 414 Section 1102--Restructuring the Restriction on Degree Training 414 Section 1103--Continuation of Tuition Reimbursement and Training for Certain Acquisition Personnel 414 Section 1104--Extension of Authority for Civilian Employees of the Department of Defense to Participate Voluntarily in Reductions in Force 414 Section 1105--Expansion of Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Positions 415 Section 1106--Pilot Program for Reengineering the Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint Process 415 TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO OTHER NATIONS 416 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 416 Arms Control Implementation 416 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 416 Section 1201--Support of United Nations-Sponsored Efforts to Inspect and Monitor Iraqi Weapons Activities 416 Section 1202--Annual Report Assessing Effect of Continued Operations in the Balkans Region on Readiness to Execute the National Military Strategy 417 Section 1203--Situation in the Balkans 417 Section 1204--Limitation on Number of Military Personnel in Colombia 419 TITLE XIII--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION WITH STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION 420 OVERVIEW 420 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 421 Arms Elimination Projects in Russia 421 Arms Elimination Projects in Ukraine 422 Biological Weapons Proliferation Prevention in Russia 422 Chemical Weapons Destruction in Russia 424 Defense and Military Contacts 426 Elimination of Plutonium Production in Russia 426 Fissile Material Processing and Packaging 427 Fissile Material Storage Facility 427 Nuclear Weapons Storage Security in Russia 428 Nuclear Weapons Transportation Security 428 Other Assessments and Administrative Support 429 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 429 Section 1301--Specification of Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs and Funds 429 Section 1302--Funding Allocations 430 Section 1303--Prohibition on Use of Funds for Elimination of Conventional Weapons 430 Section 1304--Limitations on Use of Funds for Fissile Material Storage Facility 430 Section 1305--Limitation on Use of Funds Until Submission of Multiyear Plan 430 Section 1306--Russian Nonstrategic Nuclear Arms 430 Section 1307--Limitation on Use of Funds to Support Warhead Dismantlement Processing 430 Section 1308--Agreement on Nuclear Weapons Storage Sites 430 Section 1309--Prohibition on Use of Funds for Construction of Fossil Fuel Energy Plants 430 Section 1310--Audits of Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs 430 Section 1311--Limitation on Use of Funds for Prevention of Biological Weapons Proliferation in Russia 431 TITLE XIV--COMMISSION TO ASSESS THE THREAT TO THE UNITED STATES FROM ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE (EMP) ATTACK 432 OVERVIEW 432 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 433 Section 1401--Establishment of Commission 433 Section 1402--Duties of Commission 433 Section 1403--Report 433 Section 1404--Powers 433 Section 1405--Commission Procedures 433 Section 1406--Personnel Members 433 Section 1407--Miscellaneous Administrative Provisions 433 Section 1408--Funding 433 Section 1409--Termination of the Commission 433 TITLE XV--PROVISIONS REGARDING VIEQUES ISLAND, PUERTO RICO 434 OVERVIEW 434 Section 1501--Conditions on Disposal of Naval Ammunition Support Detachment, Vieques Island 435 Section 1502--Retention of Eastern Portion of Vieques Island 436 Section 1503--Limitations on Military Use of Vieques Island 436 Section 1504--Economic Assistance for Residents of Vieques Island 436 DIVISION B--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS 437 PURPOSE 437 MILITARY CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW 437 TITLE XXI--ARMY 455 SUMMARY 455 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 455 Condition of Barracks to Support Basic Training 455 Improvements to Military Family Housing 455 Planning and Design 456 Unspecified Minor Construction 456 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 456 Section 2101--Authorized Army Construction and Land Acquisition Projects 456 Section 2102--Family Housing 456 Section 2103--Improvements to Military Family Housing Units 456 Section 2104--Authorization of Appropriations, Army 456 Section 2105--Modification of Authority to Carry Out Certain Fiscal Year 1999 Project 456 TITLE XXII--NAVY 457 SUMMARY 457 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 457 Acquisition of Prepositioned Equipment Maintenance Facilities, Blount Island, Jacksonville, Florida 457 Improvements to Military Family Housing 457 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 457 Section 2201--Authorized Navy Construction and Land Acquisition Projects 457 Section 2202--Family Housing 458 Section 2203--Improvements to Military Family Housing Units 458 Section 2204--Authorization of Appropriations, Navy 458 Section 2205--Modification of Authority to Carry Out Fiscal Year 1997 Project at Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia 458 TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE 459 SUMMARY 459 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 459 Rome Research Site, New York 459 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 459 Section 2301--Authorized Air Force Construction and Land Acquisition Projects 459 Section 2302--Family Housing 459 Section 2303--Improvements to Military Family Housing Units 460 Section 2304--Authorization of Appropriations, Air Force 460 TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES 461 SUMMARY 461 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 461 Forward Operating Locations in Support of Counter-Drug and Drug Interdiction Activities 461 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 461 Section 2401--Authorized Defense Agencies Construction and Land Acquisition Projects 461 Section 2402--Authorization Of Appropriations, Defense Agencies 461 TITLE XXV--NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION INFRASTRUCTURE 462 SUMMARY 462 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 462 Section 2501--Authorized NATO Construction and Land Acquisition Projects 462 Section 2502--Authorization of Appropriations, NATO 462 TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES 463 SUMMARY 463 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 463 Planning and Design, Army National Guard 463 Planning and Design, Army Reserve 463 Unspecified Minor Construction, Army Reserve 463 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 463 Section 2601--Authorized Guard and Reserve Construction and Land Acquisition Projects 463 TITLE XXVII--EXPIRATION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATIONS 464 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 464 Section 2701--Expiration of Authorizations and Amounts Required to be Specified by Law 464 Section 2702--Extensions of Authorizations of Certain Fiscal Year 1998 Projects 464 Section 2703--Extension of Authorizations of Certain Fiscal Year 1997 Projects 464 Section 2704--Effective Date 464 TITLE XXVIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS 465 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 465 Military Housing Privatization Initiative 465 Water Quality Issues Affecting Military Installations in the Area of Kaiserslautern, Germany 465 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 465 Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Changes 465 Section 2801--Revision of Limitations on Space by Pay Grade 465 Section 2802--Leasing of Military Family Housing, United States Southern Command, Miami, Florida 466 Section 2803--Alternative Authority for Acquisition and Improvement of Military Housing 466 Section 2804--Expansion of Definition of Armory to Include Readiness Centers 466 Subtitle B--Real Property and Facilities Administration 466 Section 2811--Increase in Threshold for Notice and Wait Requirements for Real Property Transactions 466 Section 2812--Enhancement of Authority of Military Departments to Lease Non-Excess Property 466 Section 2813--Conveyance Authority Regarding Utility Systems of Military Departments 466 Subtitle C--Land Conveyances Generally 467 Part I--Army Conveyances 467 Section 2831--Transfer of Jurisdiction, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois 467 Section 2832--Land Conveyance, Army Reserve Center, Galesburg, Illinois 467 Section 2833--Land Conveyance, Army Reserve Center, Winona, Minnesota 467 Section 2834--Land Conveyance, Fort Polk, Louisiana 467 Section 2835--Land Conveyance, Fort Pickett, Virginia 467 Section 2836--Land Conveyance, Fort Dix, New Jersey 467 Section 2837--Land Conveyance, Nike Site 43, Elrama, Pennsylvania 468 Section 2838--Land Exchange, Fort Hood, Texas 468 Section 2839--Land Conveyance, Charles Melvin Price Support Center, Illinois 468 Section 2840--Land Conveyance, Army Reserve Local Training Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee 468 Part II--Navy Conveyances 468 Section 2851--Modification of Authority for Oxnard Harbor District, Port Hueneme, California, to Use Certain Navy Property 468 Section 2852--Modification of Land Conveyance, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California 469 Section 2853--Transfer of Jurisdiction, Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California 469 Section 2854--Lease of Property, Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California 469 Section 2855--Lease of Property, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida 469 Section 2856--Land Exchange, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California 470 Section 2857--Land Exchange, Naval Air Reserve Center, Columbus, Ohio 470 Section 2858--Land Conveyance, Naval Reserve Center, Tampa, Florida 470 Part III--Air Force Conveyances 470 Section 2861--Land Conveyance, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 470 Section 2862--Land Conveyance, Point Arena Air Force Station, California 471 Section 2863--Land Conveyance, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California 471 Part IV--Other Conveyances 471 Section 2871--Conveyance of Army and Air Force Exchange Service Property, Farmers Branch, Texas 471 Subtitle D--Other Matters 471 Section 2881--Retention of Easement Authority to Leased Parkland, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California 471 Section 2882--Extension of Demonstration Project for Purchase of Fire, Security, Police, Public Works, and Utility Services from Local Government Agencies 472 Section 2883--Establishment of World War II Memorial on Guam 472 Section 2884--Naming of the Army Missile Testing Range at Kwajalein Atoll as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll 472 Section 2885--Designation of Building at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in Honor of Andrew T. McNamara 472 Section 2886--Redesignation of the Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, California, in Honor of Bob Wilson, a Former Member of the House of Representatives 472 Section 2887--Sense of Congress Regarding Importance of Expansion of National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California 472 DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATION AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS 473 TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS 473 OVERVIEW 473 Environmental and Other Defense Activities 492 Overview 492 Items of Special Interest 492 Acceleration of the 94 1 program and restoration of infrastructure at the Savannah River Site 492 Energy Employees Compensation Initiative 492 Hanford tank waste remediation system privatization, phase I 494 Mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility 494 Nonproliferation and national security 495 Worker and community transition 495 National Nuclear Security Administration 496 Items of Special Interest 496 Budget Structure of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Campaigns 496 Advanced Design and Production Technology (ADAPT) 497 Advanced radiography 497 Defense computing and modeling 498 Laser development 500 Pit manufacturing readiness 501 Tritium readiness 502 Construction projects 502 Defense programs requirements process 502 Department of Energy Reorganization Issues 503 Directed stockpile work 505 Stockpile evaluation 505 Stockpile maintenance 505 Program direction for defense programs 506 Readiness in Technical Base and Facilities (RTBF) 506 Operations of facilities 507 Special projects 507 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 508 Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations 508 Section 3101--National Nuclear Security Administration 508 Section 3102--Defense Environmental Restoration and Waste Management 508 Section 3103--Other Defense Activities 508 Section 3104--Defense Facilities Closure Projects 508 Section 3105--Defense Environmental Management Privatization 508 Section 3106--Defense Nuclear Waste Disposal 508 Subtitle B--Recurring General Provisions 508 Section 3121--Reprogramming 508 Section 3122--Limits on General Plant Projects 508 Section 3123--Limits on Construction Projects 508 Section 3124--Fund Transfer Authority 509 Section 3125--Authority for Conceptual and Construction Design 509 Section 3126--Authority for Emergency Planning, Design and Construction Activities 509 Section 3127--Availability of Funds 509 Section 3128--Authority Relating to Transfer of Defense Environmental Management Funds 509 Section 3131--Funding for Termination Costs for Tank Waste Remediation System Environmental Project, Richland, Washington 509 Section 3132--Enhanced Cooperation Between National Nuclear Security Administration and Ballistic Missile Defense Organization 510 Section 3133--Required Contents of Future-Years Nuclear Security Program to be Submitted with Fiscal Year 2002 Budget and Limitation on Obligation of Certain Funds Pending Submission of that Program 510 Section 3134--Limitation on Obligation of Certain Funds 510 TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD 511 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 511 Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board 511 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 511 Section 3201--Authorization 511 TITLE XXXIII--NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE 512 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 512 Section 3301--Authorized Uses of Stockpile Funds 512 Section 3302--Use of Excess Titanium Sponge in the National Defense Stockpile to Manufacture Department of Defense Equipment 512 TITLE XXXIV--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION 513 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 513 Merchant Marine Academy 513 LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS 513 Section 3401--Authorization of Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 513 Section 3402--Extension of Period For Disposal of Obsolete Vessels From the National Reserve Fleet 513 Section 3403--Authority to Convey National Defense Reserve Fleet Vessel, GLACIER 513 Departmental Data 514 Department of Defense Authorization Request 514 Military Construction Authorization Request 515 Committee Position 515 Communications From Other Committees 515 Fiscal Data 521 Congressional Budget Office Estimate 521 Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate 521 Committee Cost Estimate 542 Oversight Findings 542 Constitutional Authority Statement 542 Statement of Federal Mandates 542 Roll Call Votes 542 Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported 551 Additional Views 690 Additional views of John M. Spratt, Jr 690 Additional views of Steven T. Kuykendall 694 Additional views of Baron P. Hill 695 Additional views of Joseph R. Pitts, John M. Spratt, Jr 697 Additional views of Robert A. Underwood, Neil Abercrombie, Solomon P. Ortiz, Thomas H. Allen, Silvestre Reyes 698 Additional views of Loretta Sanchez, Lane Evans, Neil Abercrombie, Patrick J. Kennedy, Thomas H. Allen, Adam Smith, Ellen O. Tauscher, Robert E. Andrews, Mike Thompson 700 Additional views of Loretta Sanchez, Neil Abercrombie, Ike Skelton, Robert A. Underwood, Patrick J. Kennedy, Robert A. Brady 701 106 th Congress Report HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 106 616 FLOYD D. SPENCE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 May 12, 2000.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed Mr. Spence , from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the following REPORT together with ADDITIONAL VIEWS [To accompany H.R. 4205] [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] The Committee on Armed Services, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 4205) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2001, and for other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with amendments and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. The amendments are as follows: The MDBUamendment strikes out all after the enacting clause of the bill and inserts a new text which appears in italic type in the reported bill. The title of the bill is amended to reflect the amendment to the text of the bill. EXPLANATION OF THE COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS The committee adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute during the consideration of H.R. 4205. The title of the bill is amended to reflect the amendment to the text of the bill. The remainder of the report discusses the bill, as amended. PURPOSE The bill would--(1) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for procurement and for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E); (2) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for operation and maintenance (O&M) and for working capital funds; (3) Authorize for fiscal year 2001: (a) the personnel strength for each active duty component of the military departments; (b) the personnel strength for the Selected Reserve for each reserve component of the armed forces; (c) the military training student loads for each of the active and reserve components of the military departments; (4) Modify various elements of compensation for military personnel and impose certain requirements and limitations on personnel actions in the defense establishment; (5) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for military construction and family housing; (6) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for the Department of Energy national security programs; (7) Modify provisions related to the National Defense Stockpile; and (8) Authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for the Maritime Administration. RELATIONSHIP OF AUTHORIZATION TO APPROPRIATIONS The bill does not generally provide budget authority. The bill authorizes appropriations. Subsequent appropriation acts provide budget authority. The bill addresses the following categories in the Department of Defense budget: procurement; research, development, test and evaluation; operation and maintenance; working capital funds, military personnel; and military construction and family housing. The bill also addresses Department of Energy National Security Programs and the Maritime Administration. Active duty and reserve personnel strengths authorized in this bill and legislation affecting compensation for military personnel determine the remaining appropriation requirements of the Department of Defense. However, this bill does not provide authorization of specific dollar amounts for personnel. SUMMARY OF AUTHORIZATION IN THE BILL The President requested budget authority of $305.3 billion for the national defense budget function for fiscal year 2001. Of this amount, the President requested $291.0 billion for the Department of Defense (including $8.0 billion for military construction and family housing) and $13.1 billion for Department of Energy national security programs and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. The committee recommends an overall level of $309.9 billion in budget authority. This amount is consistent with the discretionary defense spending limitations imposed by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and it represents an increase of approximately $21.1 billion from the amount authorized for appropriation by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65). Overall, the committee's recommendation is consistent with the amounts established in the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2001 for the national defense budget function. SUMMARY TABLE OF AUTHORIZATIONS The following table provides a summary of the amounts requested and that would be authorized for appropriation in the bill (in the column labeled ``Budget Authority Implication of Committee Recommendation'') and the committee's estimate of how the committee's recommendations relate to the budget totals for the national defense function. For purposes of estimating the budget authority implications of committee action, the table reflects the numbers contained in the President's budget for proposals not in the committee's legislative jurisdiction. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] RATIONALE FOR THE COMMITTEE BILL The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is the first defense authorization bill prepared for the new millennium. It reflects the committee's view of, and commitment to, the policies, programs, and priorities required to maintain U.S. military preeminence in the 21st century. The committee bill authorizes $309.9 billion for defense during fiscal year 2001--an addition of $4.5 billion to the Administration's defense budget request. Although this bill continues the trend of adding to the Administration's defense budget request, the committee remains troubled by the mismatch between requirements, forces, and resources that continues to exist and will remain, even with the increases contained in this bill. In the committee's view, the public debate over the adequacy of U.S. defense funding has turned an important corner. In recent years, efforts to increase defense have encountered skepticism and outright opposition by an Administration that came into office believing that defense could be reduced substantially without risk to the national security. The end of the Cold War was accompanied by annual real decreases in defense spending, as the ``peace dividend'' was applied to other priorities. There now appears to be a general consensus that U.S. defense spending has fallen too far too fast. These real decreases have resulted in significant problems in readiness, equipment modernization, and quality of life for U.S. service personnel, and a significant overall decline in U.S. military capability. This year, the committee has again sought to address the most critical shortfalls in these areas by increasing funding above the Administration's budget request. MDBU U.S. STRATEGY FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM U.S. military strategy continues to be guided by the tenets outlined in the 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). The QDR, building upon its predecessor, the 1993 Bottom-Up Review, postulated that the sizing and composition of U.S. military forces should be based on the requirement to fight two nearly simultaneous major theater wars. While the committee believes that the two major theater war standard has been a realistic and useful planning tool, the QDR was a budget-driven exercise, rather than a strategy-driven one. Even so, the defense resources historically requested by the Administration have never been adequate to execute the strategy without accepting a greater than prudent level of risk. Testifying before the committee on October 21, 1999, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps service chiefs each stated that they lacked the capabilities required of a true ``two major theater war'' military force. Army Chief of Staff General Eric Shinseki declared that the Army could execute the two major theater war strategy only with ``high risk.'' In subsequent testimony on February 10, 2000, General Shinseki stated, ``You measure that risk in national treasure, lives, and expended dollars.'' Former Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger told the committee on February 8, 2000, ``The simple reality today is that we cannot fight two MRCs [major regional contingencies] more or less simultaneously.'' Even former Secretary of Defense William Perry, who oversaw the Clinton Administration's early defense efforts, testified before the committee, ``We do not have a capability of fighting two [major theater wars] at the same time. For one thing, we do not have enough airlift and sealift to go to two places at once.'' The next Administration will have an ability, through the QDR process, to place its imprint on the strategy that will guide the level and composition of U.S. military forces in the new millennium. The committee expects that the next QDR, due out in September 2001, will be strategy-based and not budget constrained. The committee has long believed that the level of resources necessary for defense must flow from an assessment of U.S. strategy, existing and emerging threats, and the force levels required to deal with those threats. Under this Administration, the reverse has been true. Anticipated budget levels have driven the sizing and composition of U.S. forces and the strategy that can be implemented with those force levels. This approach stands sound national security planning on its head. The committee's approach again this year has been guided by an effort to develop a defense budget that is more responsive to the post-Cold War threats faced by the United States and commensurate with America's global responsibilities--and, in so doing, to ensure that U.S. forces can successfully execute their missions at the lowest possible level of risk. MDBU MAINTAINING AMERICA'S MILITARY PREEMINENCE In its Phase I report last fall on the emerging global security environment, the United States Commission on National Security/21st Century reported that the United States can expect to confront a variety of new and asymmetric threats in the next several decades that will pose significant challenges to U.S. security. These threats include the spread of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction, information warfare, terrorism, and the use by other states of space for military purposes. According to the commission, ``threats to American security will be more diffuse, harder to anticipate, and more difficult to neutralize than ever before. Deterrence will not work as it once did; in many cases it may not work at all.'' In its Phase II report, issued in April 2000, the commission concluded, ``The maintenance of America's strength is a long-term commitment and cannot be assured without conscious, dedicated effort.'' This places a premium on ensuring that America's armed forces are sufficiently resourced, manned, and equipped, to successfully confront emerging threats. This fundamental principle has guided the committee's approach to the defense budget for the past six years. The committee agrees with the commission's conclusion that without a sustained defense effort, the United States ``will find its power reduced, its interests challenged even more than they are today, and its influence eroded.'' Secretary Schlesinger echoed this point in testimony before the committee on February 8, 2000, when he stated, ``The United States simply cannot continue to play the global leadership role envisioned by the current national security strategy without a substantial increase in defense spending.MDBU . . . We are resting on our laurels as the sole superpower,'' he stated, and warned that without sustained increases in defense, ``we are likely to see a train wreck.'' Unfortunately, in the past year, additional strains have been imposed on the U.S. military, as the armed forces continue to be asked to do more with less. This reality has again called into question the armed forces' ability to carry out the national military strategy postulated in the QDR. One year ago, U.S. forces led NATO's Operation Allied Force campaign against Yugoslavia. For the Air Force, this operation was the equivalent of a major theater war. The 78MDBU-day military campaign exposed serious strains within the U.S. military, illuminating problems that have resulted from underfunding and over-extending the military. It also led to the second major peacekeeping operation involving U.S. forces in the Balkans in five years. Like the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia, the NATO-led Kosovo peacekeeping operation is of indefinite duration and threatens to involve the United States in an ever-deepening quagmire. The requirements of peacekeeping pose significant burdens on U.S. forces that detract from their primary warfighting mission. As a result, readiness has declined, equipment has been severely strained, and quality of life has suffered. The committee recognizes that the United States has global interests and responsibilities. However, the increasing use of the armed forces for humanitarian and civil support missions abroad diminishes the military's capacity to respond to a significant conflict or crisis. The U.S. armed forces were employed overseas more times in the past decade than in the previous 45 years. Since 1989, the Army has participated in 35 major deployments, including a significant number of peacekeeping missions. During the same period, the Army, including its Reserve Components, reduced its force structure by more than 34 percent. Continued high operating tempos risk bending the force to the breaking point. The employment of U.S. military forces should be selective and based on a pragmatic calculation of the risks and benefits to U.S. national security. In establishing the funding priorities in this year's bill, the committee is again guided by this fundamental principle. MDBU THE ADMINISTRATION'S DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST The President's defense budget request for fiscal year 2001 reflects the first significant real increase in defense funding in a decade and, unlike in previous years, does not appear to be premised on questionable economic assumptions, assumed savings, and outlay gimmicks. In submitting its proposed budget, the Administration appears to recognize that quality of life, readiness, and modernization shortfalls are real, that they have real-world implications, and that increased defense spending is necessary. However, as Secretary of Defense William Cohen testified before the committee on February 9, 2000, ``One budgetary year, one submission or two submissions of real growth increase does not a military make. It's going to take sustained commitment over the years.'' Unfortunately, despite the increases proposed by the President this year, serious mismatches between strategy, forces, and resources continue to exist. Over the past eight years, the Administration's cumulative defense budget requests have fallen more than $300 billion short of even covering the costs of inflation relative to the fiscal year 1993 defense spending levels it inherited--spending levels that already reflected significant cutbacks resulting from President Bush's post-Cold War downsizing of the U.S. military. Although U.S. military strategy remains essentially unchanged from that articulated in the QDR, the committee believes that the Administration's current and planned levels of defense funding are insufficient to carry out that strategy. The committee believes that the United States will need to invest significantly more resources in order to maintain even current military capabilities. As Secretary Schlesinger testified before the committee on February 8, 2000, ``We cannot maintain the present force structure and reequip the forces on the present budget levels or the prospective budget levels. . . . The simple reality is that we cannot sustain those forces. This is not a matter of opinion. It is a matter of simple arithmetic. . . .'' The committee has sought repeatedly to provide additional resources for defense that would address the most serious deficiencies that exist. Despite significant congressional increases to the defense budget last year, the service chiefs testified before the committee in October 1999 to having at least $9 billion in critical unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2000, excluding the unbudgeted costs of Kosovo operations. Few, if any, of these shortfalls were addressed in the fiscal year 2000 supplemental submitted with the budget request. This led the House to support a significant increase to the Administration's supplemental request. In testimony before the committee earlier this year, the service chiefs identified nearly $16 billion in unfunded military requirements. Since last year, their five-year estimate of shortfalls has increased from $38 billion to $84 billion. As General Eric Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff, testified, ``there is still a mismatch between the resources we have and the requirements we may face.'' In a recent report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) concluded, ``A substantial defense strategy-resources mismatch MDBU. MDBU. MDBU. already exists. It is profound. It has been ongoing for some time and will take years to overcome. It is reaching crisis proportions and requires immediate attention.'' With this in mind, the committee has sought to address in this year's budget the most serious aspects of this mismatch as they relate to readiness, modernization, and quality of life. MDBU RESTORING READINESS Restoring military readiness is a key priority for the committee, as U.S. military readiness is essential to securing America's future as the world's sole superpower. In recent years, readiness has suffered as a result of high operations tempo resulting from the high pace of unscheduled contingency deployments around the world. Historically, the Administration has sought to pay for these deployments by raiding critical readiness accounts. In addition, near-term readiness has been purchased at the expense of future modernization. Admiral Jay Johnson, Chief of Navy Operations, told the committee in October 1999 that ``fiscal constraints force us too often to choose between near-term readiness and future modernization and recapitalization.'' General James Jones, Commandant of the Marine Corps, stated, ``We have sacrificed our procurement accounts to assist in meeting the growing costs of keeping our aging equipment and weapons MDBU`ready.''' Unfortunately, the Administration's fiscal year 2001 defense budget request contains few if any increases to readiness accounts and falls well short of addressing the serious readiness problems that exist. Moreover, current budget projections indicate that funding for critical readiness needs will decline next year. Existing readiness problems include a shortage of spare parts, aging equipment, decaying infrastructure, growing equipment and facilities' backlogs, insufficient training, and personnel shortages. According to Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Ryan, the overall combat readiness of the Air Force has declined by 26 percent since 1996. The committee finds this situation troubling, particularly in light of the fact that the Administration has at long last acknowledged that serious readiness shortfalls exist. In testifying on the fiscal year 2001 budget request on February 9, 2000, General Henry Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that even recent funding increases ``will not guarantee the levels of readiness needed to significantly reduce risk in executing the National Military Strategy.'' Over the past five years, the Congress has added more than $7 billion to the Administration's budget requests to fund day-to-day operations, training, equipment and facility maintenance, and spare parts. The committee bill continues this trend by adding significant additional resources for critical readiness priorities. MDBU EQUIPPING THE FORCE For the United States to remain the world's preeminent military power, additional investment in the development and procurement of modern technology and equipment is essential. Our men and women in uniform cannot be expected to fight and win the nation's wars in the 21st century solely with equipment developed and acquired in the 20th century. Although this year's budget request increases funding for research, development, testing, and evaluation for the first time in five years, important shortfalls remain in these critical accounts. In particular, additional efforts are required in the area of national and theater missile defenses. The committee budget reflects the committee's historically strong support for the development of technologies that could be deployed to protect the American homeland from the real and growing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles and the weapons of mass destruction they carry. The Administration's budget request for fiscal year 2001 meets, for the first time, the Administration's own target of providing $60 billion for the procurement of equipment essential to a modern military. However, this goal was attained through the use of innovative accounting, such as including submarine overhaul funds in the procurement accounts for the first time. Despite meeting this milestone, the committee is troubled by the fact that the $60.3 billion request is $1.5 billion below what the Administration projected the request would be one year ago. This is difficult to comprehend in an overall defense budget characterized by real spending growth. The committee notes that the military of 2000 is continuing to live off the equipment investment decisions made almost two decades earlier. The defense build-up that occurred under President Reagan has served the nation well. However, the force that resulted from this build-up is precisely the one being worn out as a result of extensive operational deployments and inadequate resourcing. As Secretary Schlesinger told the committee, the U.S. military continues to live off and wear out the ``capital'' of the late Cold War. During its examination of the Administration's budget request, the committee heard testimony from a variety of witnesses, including former Department of Defense officials, who testified that the Administration's procurement budget was insufficient to modernize and equip the current QDR force well into the 21st century. The CSIS report estimated that ``DOD procurement budgets will need to average $164 billion annually'' over the next 10 years ``to provide for steady and continued modernization and replacement of the QDR force.MDBU . . .'' Other estimates have suggested that the current procurement budget is underfunded by $25 billion to $50 billion. Former Deputy Secretary of Defense John Hamre, in Senate testimony, stated, ``Even though we got to $60 billion in our modernization budget, we're still not really making up for the hole that we dug for ourselves during . . . the second half of the '80s and the MDBU'90s.'' Even Secretary Perry testified before the committee that procurement is underfunded. ``My own judgment is it probably needs to be perhaps $70 to $80 billion,'' he declared. Over the past five years, the committee has added nearly $18 billion to the Administration's procurement budget requests and this bill adds another $2.0 billion to the procurement accounts largely to meet the most critical unfunded modernization requirements identified by the service chiefs. MDBU KEEPING FAITH MDBUWITH OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL Ensuring a decent quality of life for military personnel and their families remains central to the committee's efforts to revitalize the all-volunteer U.S. armed forces. America's military is only as good as the people who serve in it. Recruiting and retaining top-notch personnel remains a key committee priority in this year's bill. In recent years, each of the military services has encountered difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. With this in mind, the committee bill makes a series of improvements to the pay, allowances, benefits, and living conditions of American military personnel that significantly enhance the quality of life for them and their families. The committee's actions follow up on last year's initiatives taken by the Congress with respect to pay raises, pay table reform, military retirement benefits, basic allowance for housing, special pay and retention bonuses, and the military Thrift Savings Plan. In particular, the committee bill removes the barriers to an effective military healthcare system by restoring access to prescription drug benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees, reduces out-of-pocket costs for service personnel participating in the TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Prime Remote programs, and expands the coverage provided under this program to family members. Moreover, the bill allows TRICARE reimbursements to be tailored to local area costs and allows reimbursement for travel expenses incurred resulting from long-distance referrals for medical care. The committee bill also makes a number of management initiatives that are expected to save the Defense Health Program over $500 million, which can be reinvested in benefits, instead of being squandered on administration. The committee's actions will result in improved access, portability of benefit, and increased savings to U.S. service personnel for medical care. In short, the committee bill fulfills the promise to make continued improvements in compensation and health care programs begun in last year's National Defense Authorization Act. In addition, the committee bill includes a provision to eliminate the statutory requirement that service members pay for 15 percent of housing costs from their own pockets, and to authorize the Secretary of Defense to increase the basic allowance for housing rates while reducing out-of-pocket housing expenses for military members to zero by fiscal year 2005. Military healthcare, morale, welfare, and recreation programs, as well as the quality of facilities in which military personnel live and work, also have a tangible effect on service members, their families, and career decisions. Unfortunately, the Administration's budget request significantly underfunds military construction and healthcare improvements. The committee bill goes a long way toward improving the quality of life for U.S. military personnel and their families. MDBU THE COMMITTEE BILL: INVESTING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Over the past five years, the Congress has added nearly $50 billion to the Administration's proposed defense budgets. These increases were necessary, but not sufficient. They have helped stop the hemorrhaging of America's defenses, but restoring U.S. military capability to that required by U.S. commitments and national interests requires more. While the committee recognizes that additional defense investments are required, there is no question that U.S. national security would be worse off had the committee and the Congress not acted in a responsible manner to address the military's most pressing problems. Modernizing and maintaining today's military forces, following on the heels of a decade of real decline in defense budgets, will require the kind of sustained commitment and investment in the years ahead that took place in the early 1980s. Some may argue that the nation cannot afford such an investment. In the committee's view, what the nation cannot afford is another decade, like the last, of declining defense budgets and shrinking military forces if the United States is to remain a superpower able to promote and protect its global interests. It is with this reality in mind that the committee has crafted a defense budget designed to provide our service personnel with the best tools our country can produce to enable them to defend our nation's people, interests, and values. The committee bill represents the minimum funding necessary to accomplish that goal. Although a greater level of investment in America's security will be necessary over the coming years if the nation is to be secure from the range of threats it will likely confront, this bill is a necessary first step toward ensuring that America's military can meet the challenges that lie ahead, and ensure the safety and security of all Americans, well into the new millennium. HEARINGS Committee consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 results from extensive hearings that began on February 9, 2000 and that were completed on March 23, 2000. The full committee conducted 6 sessions. In addition, a total of 27 sessions were conducted by five different subcommittees and two panels of the committee on various titles of the bill. MDBU DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION MDBU TITLE I--PROCUREMENT MDBU OVERVIEW In October 1995, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff first advised the Secretary of Defense that in order to recapitalize the U.S. armed forces after a decade of ever-decreasing defense procurement budgets, $60 billion would be required annually and should be achieved by fiscal year 1998. Over four years after this pronouncement and three years after its subsequent endorsement by the 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), the fiscal year 2001 budget request finally reached that level, although it is $1.5 billion below what was forecast at the time the fiscal year 2000 budget was submitted to the Congress one year agoMDBU--the sixth consecutive year in which this situation has occurred. Consequently, it is not surprising that the service chiefs continue to lament that many of their modernization needs are going unmet. What is surprising is the fact that, notwithstanding these unmet needs, the future years defense program similarly forecasts reductions to the procurement budgets in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 from those made a year ago while, at the same time, prominent former Department of Defense (DOD) leaders in the current Administration advocate large increases to these budgets. For example, former Secretary of Defense, William Perry, testified before the committee earlier this year that, ``Procurement proposed to you in this budget is $60 billion in round figures. My own judgment is it probably needs to be perhaps $70 to $80 billion MDBU. MDBU. MDBU.'' Also, in testimony before the Defense Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee just prior to his resignation in March, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, John Hamre, noted, ``Even though we got to $60 billion in our modernization budget, we're still not really making up for the hole that we dug for ourselves during the '90s. . . . actually the second half of the '80s and the '90s. And we're going to have to do a better job later on. This is where people said, MDBU`Well what will it cost to do that?' I don't believe it's $100 billion a year to do that, but I think it's in the $10 billion to $15 billion more a year for procurement in order to start getting out of that hole.'' Having added nearly $18 billion to the procurement budget requests of the past five years, the committee obviously shares the views of the two former senior DOD officials. However, during most of this period the committee has found itself to be seriously hampered in advocating a dramatically larger modernization budget by a lack of support from the DOD civilian leadership--including those individuals who now have testified that, indeed, increased procurement funding is required. Consequently, it has been unable to sustain the healthy $5 to $6 billion adds to the procurement accounts that it made in fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Nevertheless, fiscal year 2001 marks the sixth consecutive year the committee has increased the President's procurement budget, and the $2.6 billion added has again been largely devoted to funding equipment for which, according to the service chiefs, requirements have not been met. The committee continues to strongly believe that the resources provided to the Department to carry out its national security strategy of preparing to win two nearly simultaneous major theater wars is inadequate. If this strategy remains intact following the fiscal year 2001 QDR, then it is imperative that the next Administration provide adequate resources to modernize our armed forces from the outset and sustain these resources for as long as required. As stated by former Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger in his testimony to the committee this year, ``The United States simply cannot continue to play the global leadership role envisioned by the current national security strategy without a substantial increase in defense spending.MDBU .MDBU .MDBU .MDBU We cannot maintain the present force structure and reequip the forces on the present budget levels or the prospective budget levels.'' [Graphic Image Not Available] AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, ARMY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,323.3 million for Aircraft Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $1,542.8 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST AH 64 modifications The budget request contained $18.5 million for AH 64 modifications but included no funds to continue procurement of the oil debris detection system (ODDS) or the vibration management enhancement program (VMEP). The ODDS is an on-board detection system that alerts aircrews to the presence of metal chips in engines and propeller gear boxes, which allows flights to be terminated prior to catastrophic failure of critical components. The system also permits the clearing of smaller particles that routinely accumulate in engine oil and cause false impending engine failure alarms resulting in unnecessary termination of aircraft missions and costly engine diagnostics. The VMEP is an Army National Guard (ARNG) effort currently directed toward resolving vibration management problems on the ARNG's AH 64 Apache fleet, but the committee understands the technology is also applicable to the UH 60 Blackhawk. The committee continues to support the VMEP because of its belief that such on-board diagnostic capabilities contribute significantly to both aircrew safety and improved aircraft reliability. Since the ODDS, which has been successfully integrated into other Department of Defense aircraft, both reduces aircraft maintenance costs and enhances aircrew safety, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million to incorporate the ODDS on AH 64 Apaches. The committee also recommends an increase of $7.0 million to continue procurement of VMEP systems for the ARNG Apache fleet and to transition this technology to the Blackhawk. In total, the committee recommends $30.5 million for AH 64 modifications, an increase of $12.0 million. Airborne reconnaissance low (ARL) The budget request contained no funds to procure ARL aircraft. The ARL supports intelligence collection requirements for forward-deployed force projection, operations other-than-war, and mid-intensity conflicts. The committee understands that the final ARL aircraft validated by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council remains unfunded and is required to replace the less capable ARL-imagery intelligence (I) aircraft lost in South America in 1999. The ARL M possesses integrated imagery intelligence, communications intelligence, a moving target indicator and synthetic aperture radar; consequently, it offers a broader intelligence collection capability than the ARL I aircraft. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $31.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for this replacement aircraft. In support of this requirement, the committee recommends $31.0 million for one ARL M replacement aircraft. Airborne communications The budget request contained no funds to continue procurement of the AN/ARC 220 aviation high frequency radios, which provide secure voice and data communications capability between Army helicopters flying nap-of-the-earth missions and beyond-line-of-sight aviation tactical operations centers. The committee notes that the Task Force Hawk after action report identified the lack of such capability in AH 64 Apache attack helicopters as a major deficiency for conducting long-range strike missions. The committee understands that the budget request will result in a break in the production line. The committee further notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $31.8 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for AH 64 Apache and OH 58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter radios. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $31.8 million to ensure the fielding of radios for both AH 64 Apache attack helicopters and OH 58D Kiowa Warriors and to prevent a production line break. Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) The budget request contained no funds for the procurement of ASE. The Aircraft Survivability Equipment Trainer (ASET) IV is a ground-based, mobile aviation threat emitter simulation and training system which enables both fixed and rotary wing aviators to recognize surface-to-air-missile (SAM) and anti-aircraft artillery threats in order to employ the correct aircraft evasive maneuvers. ASET IV systems are currently fielded at major training centers throughout the United States and Germany and require that an aircraft have a fully operational ASE suite of sensors on board for training. Congress added $7.4 million in fiscal year 1998, $6.4 million in fiscal year 1999, and $12.5 million in fiscal year 2000 for ASET IV upgrades and notes that the necessity of this training device was a subject of discussion in the Task Force Hawk After Action Report. However, additional validated requirements exist and several systems in their present configuration still lack the capability to simulate the most current infrared (IR) and SAM threats, thereby limiting aircrew training. The committee believes this situation is inconsistent with the Army's ``train as you fight'' concept.MDBU Consistent with its past actions, and based on the Army's requirement for forces to train in realistic threat environments, the committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million for upgrading ASET IV systems with current IR SAM threat simulators. Aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) modifications The budget request contained $4.5 million to procure ASE modifications but included no funds for AN/AVR 2A laser detecting sets (LDS). The LDS is the only device in the Army capable of providing warning to helicopter crews when they have been illuminated by a laser-targeted weapon. It detects, identifies, and characterizes threats 360-degrees-around and plus-or-minus 45 degrees above-and-below an aircraft. The committee continues to be concerned with the growing laser threat to helicopter aircrews and notes the limited fielding of this system to force package one aircraft only. The committee also notes the identification by the Army Chief of Staff of an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to complete LDS ``A'' kit installation on AH 64A Apaches, AH 64D Apache Longbows, and MH 47D/E and MH 60K/L Special Operations Aircraft as well as to prevent a production line break. Based on a growing laser threat to Army attack and special operations aircraft and its desire to extend fielding of this system beyond force package one units, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million for procurement of AN/AVR 2A LDS A kits. CH 47 Chinook/UH 60 Blackhawk crashworthy fuel tanks The budget request contained $117.1 million for modifications to CH 47 Chinooks and $3.0 million for modifications to UH 60 Blackhawks but included no funds for the procurement of CH 47 internal crashworthy fuel tanks or UH 60 external crashworthy fuel tanks for Army National Guard (ARNG) units. The committee understands that both the UH 60's external fuel tanks and the CH 47's internal fuel tanks are subject to rupture in the event of a crash, posing a safety risk to flight crews and passengers. Since current battlefield flight scenarios require these helicopters to fly long-range missions into hostile environments, the committee believes that extended range, crashworthy fuel tanks are critical to the safety and survivability of these aircraft. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million to continue upgrading ARNG CH 47s with internal crashworthy fuel tanks and $9.0 million to begin procurement of external crashworthy fuel tanks for ARNG UH 60s. Helicopter crashworthy seats The committee is concerned about improving the safety performance of Army helicopter seats. While existing pilot and the co-pilot seats offer some protection in the event of a hard impact in a crash, passenger and troop seats offer minimal or no protection from the acceleration forces created by such a crash, resulting in fatalities and serious injury of soldiers. Accordingly, the committee strongly encourages the Department of the Army to include funds in its fiscal year 2002 budget request for the UH 60 Blackhawk and CH 47 Chinook helicopters to begin procurement of passenger and troop compartment crashworthy seats, which can provide protection for a majority of expected survivable crashes. TH 67 Creek The budget request contained no funds to procure TH 67 Creek training helicopters. The committee notes that a shortfall in visual flight, instrument flight, and basic combat skills training helicopters will occur with the anticipated retirement of Vietnam-era UH 1 and OH 58 A/C aircraft as outlined in the draft fiscal year 2000 Army Aviation Modernization Plan. The committee understands that the Army does not intend to replace these retiring aircraft due to affordability concerns. However, the committee also notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $35.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for 27 TH 67s. Based on the need to replace the aging Huey and OH 58 A/C fleet as soon as possible and the need to provide quality training for Army aviators, the committee recommends an increase of $24.0 million for 19 TH 67 helicopters. UH 60 Blackhawk The budget request contained $64.7 million for the procurement of six UH 60L Blackhawk utility helicopters for the Army National Guard (ARNG) but included no funds for UH 60Q enhanced medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopters or Firehawk conversion kits for the ARNG. The Blackhawk is the Army's primary utility helicopter for air assault, general support and aero medical evacuation missions. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $196.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for the procurement of 20 additional Blackhawks for the ARNG in recognition of a shortfall that has persisted for a number of years in ARNG units. The committee also notes that the UH 60Q MEDEVAC helicopter is the number one near-term medical modernization program for the Army and provides enhanced medical evacuation and treatment of six litter or seven ambulatory patients in a state-of-the-art medical treatment cabin interior. Finally, the committee notes that the Firehawk conversion kit, which enables a UH 60 to carry up to 1000 gallons of water in the under fuselage tank and fully refill via a snorkel system in approximately one minute after dropping its payload on a fire, greatly enhances the ARNG's ability to support forest firefighting requirements. Consistent with its actions in prior fiscal years, the committee recommends an increase of $27.9 million to procure three additional UH 60L Blackhawks and $40.2 million to procure three UH 60Q MEDEVAC variants. The committee also recommends $3.0 million to procure two Firehawk conversion kits for the ARNG. In total, the committee recommends $135.8 million for the UH 60 helicopter, an increase of $71.1 million. MISSILE PROCUREMENT, ARMY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,295.7 million for Missile Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $1,367.7 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) system summary The budget request contained $15.0 million for ATAMCS Block IA missile production support costs, but included no funds to procure ATACMS Block IV missiles. The ATACMS is a surface-to-surface, global positioning system-guided missile for deep-strike attacks against tactical surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile sites, logistics elements, and command, control, communications complexes. The committee is aware of the ATACMS Block IV upgrade that will incorporate Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response warheads into 51 ATACMS Block IA missiles. This warhead upgrade is designed to limit collateral damage when used against targets in urban environments and is a direct outgrowth of the Army's inability to conduct deep strike missions against such targets with its existing ATACMS missile inventory during Operation Allied Force. The committee believes that the Army should have the capability to provide joint force commanders with a surface-to-surface deep strike option, which produces limited collateral damage in urban environments. Therefore, the committee recommends $10.0 million to upgrade 51 ATACMS Block IA missiles to Block IV configuration. Multipurpose individual munition (MPIM) advance procurement The budget request contained $3.5 million for advance procurement of the MPIM. Subsequent to the submission of the budget request to Congress, Army program officials identified additional alternate warhead research, development, test and evaluation work required to develop further the lethality of the MPIM and reduce its weight. Accordingly, the committee recommends a transfer of the $3.5 million requested for MPIM advance procurement to PE 64802A for this purpose. Patriot advanced capability-2 (PAC 2) The budget request contained $22.9 million for Patriot missile modifications. The committee is aware that certain variants of the PAC 2 missile have recently experienced unexpectedly high rates of failure in certain components. Although reductions in unit readiness have not yet occured, the committee believes that repair and upgrade of these missiles is needed to assure that PAC 2 inventories remain sufficiently robust to meet validated requirements. The committee understands that acceleration of this process by one year will help meet this objective, provide for earlier fielding of a guidance-enhanced missile with improved ballistic and cruise missile defense capabilities, and generate significant cost savings. Therefore, the committee recommends $88.4 million for Patriot modifications, and increase of $65.5 million. Patriot anti-cruise missile (PACM) The budget request contained no funds for PACM procurement. The PACM program has developed a new seeker that would provide older Patriot missiles with anti-cruise missile capabilities. The statement of managers accompanying the conference report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept.106-162) required the Secretary of Defense to use the Defense Science Board (DSB) to assess PACM capabilities and the opportunity costs of PACM acquisition. The committee notes that the final DSB report indicates that between $100 and $125 million of research and development funding are needed to complete PACM design, resolve parts obsolescence, prepare facilities for production, integrate PACM with Patriot ground elements, and complete ground and flight testing. The DSB also indicated that the cost to upgrade PAC 2 airframes to the PACM configuration is about $1.0 million per missile. The committee believes that, even if ground- and flight-testing needed to make an informed judgment on the technical merits of the missile were complete, the costs identified by the DSB would still be prohibitive. For these reasons, the committee recommends no funds for PACM procurement, as requested. WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES, ARMY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,874.6 million for procurement of Army weapons and tracked combat vehicles for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $2,167.9 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Armored vehicle launch bridge (AVLB) service life extension program (SLEP) The budget request contained $15.3 million to conduct a SLEP of AVLB vehicles. As a result of the cancellation of the Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge (HAB), a SLEP for the 36-year old, 60-ton military load class (MLC) AVLB is now a priority for the Army. The SLEP will upgrade the AVLB to a 70-ton MLC bridge, which will enable both the Abrams tank and Hercules Improved Recovery Vehicles to safely cross expanses at full span. The committee notes the importance of this system and recognizes that a number of these vehicles will remain in the Army inventory after the fielding of the Wolverine HAB. The committee further notes its continued support for the Wolverine HAB, which is discussed elsewhere in this report. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.3 million for the AVLB SLEP. Bradley base sustainment The budget request contained $359.4 million for the procurement of Bradley A3 fighting vehicle upgrades, of which $6.1 million was included for fielding Army National Guard (ARNG) A2 Operation Desert Storm (ODS) variants. The Bradley A2ODS is derived from upgrading the first-generation Bradley A0's lethality, survivability, and mobility, as well as the situational awareness of its crew. Modifications include installation of a laser range finder, Global Positioning System navigation capability, a combat identification system, a driver's thermal viewer, and a missile countermeasure device. When the Army completes all of its planned upgrades to the Bradley, the active fleet will include a mix of the most advanced A3 variant, along with A2 and A2ODS versions. The majority of the ARNG's Bradley fleet, however, will remain unmodified and comprised mainly of first-generation A0 vehicles, which were not mobilized during the Persian Gulf War because of major survivability deficiencies. However, as part of the new ARNG enhanced brigades, the committee notes that some of these A0 vehicles will be required to deploy with active Army forces. Because ARNG enhanced brigades will comprise an increasing percentage of the Army's warfighting capability as a result of active force reductions, the committee recommends $440.7 million, an increase of $81.3 million, for upgrading an additional 65 Bradley A0 vehicles to the A2ODS variant for the ARNG. Bradley fighting vehicle system (BFVS) series (modifications) The budget request contained $37.1 million to procure modification kits for the BFVS but included no funds to procure AN/VVR 1 laser warning receivers (LWR). The AN/VVR 1 LWR provides warning to armored vehicle crews when a threat laser used to direct a laser-guided weapon to its target has illuminated them. Because the committee is aware of the proliferation of laser-guided weapons and the increasing threat they pose to armored vehicles, it recommends an increase of $20.0 million to procure additional AN/VVR-1 LWRs for the protection of high value warfighting assets. Heavy assault bridge (HAB) system The budget request contained no funds to continue procurement of the HAB. The HAB is a 70-ton military load-class bridge transported on a modified M1A2 Abrams system enhancement program (SEP) tank chassis. The system is capable of spanning gaps up to 79 feet, can be deployed in 5 minutes, and can be retrieved from either end in less than 10 minutes. The committee is concerned by the Secretary of the Army's termination of this program, especially after having provided a $14.0 million increase for HAB advance procurement in fiscal year 2000, as well as having authorized a combined M1A2 SEP/HAB multiyear procurement contract. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified the HAB as the Army's top unfunded modernization requirement in fiscal year 2001. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $59.2 million for 12 vehicles and $13.1 million in advance procurement for fiscal year 2002 to maintain HAB production. Improved recovery vehicle (IRV) The budget request contained $68.4 million to procure IRVs but included no funds for the procurement of IRVs for the Army Reserve. The 56-ton M88A1 is capable of towing only vehicles weighing less than 60 tons. Consequently, two M88A1s are required to safely tow an Abrams tank if it is rendered immobile due to combat damage or mechanical failure. The M88A2 IRV upgrade includes increased engine horsepower, as well as braking, steering, winch, lift, and suspension capabilities required to safely recover Abrams tanks and other heavy combat systems. MDBU The committee understands that the Army Reserve has a shortfall of three companies of IRVs in force package one reserve units. Accordingly, the committee recommends $76.7 million, an increase of $8.3 million, for additional M88A2 IRV upgrades for the Army Reserve. Industrial preparedness The budget request contained $3.6 million for storage and maintenance of laid away equipment and facilities at Hawthorne Army Depot and Rock Island and Watervliet Arsenals, but included no funds for expanding the Armament Retooling and Support (ARMS) Initiative to include the manufacturing arsenals. The committee recommends a provision (sec. 113) that would expand the ARMS Initiative to attract commercial tenants to these arsenals. The committee believes that collocating such tenants with existing ammunition plants has helped maintain both facilities and perishable industrial skills of the ammunition production workforce with minimal expenditure of public funds and that a similar effort to offset the underutilization of the manufacturing arsenals would be equally beneficial. Therefore, the committee recommends $15.6 million, an increase of $12.0 million to expand the ARMS initiative to include the manufacturing arsenals. M1 Abrams tank modifications The budget request contained $36.1 million for M1 Abrams tank modifications but included no funds for the procurement of M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program (SEP) tank under armor auxiliary power units (UAAPU). The UAAPU is designed to power tank weapon systems in lieu of an idling M1A2 Abrams SEP tank's gas turbine engine, which will reduce engine wear, fuel consumption, fuel storage and transportation requirements while increasing the operating life of the tank's batteries. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified an $18.9 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001MDBU for 80 UAAPUs for M1A2 SEP tanks. The committee believes that the savings realized by using an UAAPU will be considerable and, therefore, recommends $55.0 million, an increase of $18.9 million, for 80 UAAPUs. M113 carrier modifications The budget request contained $45.1 million for M113 carrier modifications, of which $43.2 million was for M113 MDBU``A3MDBU'' upgrades. The M113A3 upgrade program, which is expected to add an additional 20 years of service life to the vehicle, includes installation of a new engine, transmission, external armored fuel tanks, driver controls, and internal Kevlar spall liners. The committee notes that M113A3 upgrades are among the highest unfunded requirements identified by the Army Chief of Staff in fiscal year 2001. The committee further notes that additional funds would accelerate the fielding of A3 upgrades for force package two from fiscal year 2004 into fiscal year 2002. Therefore, consistent with its actions taken in prior fiscal years, the committee recommends $95.1 million, an increase of $50.0 million for additional M113A3 upgrade kits. M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) The budget request contained no funds for the procurement of the M249 SAW. The M249 SAW is a lightweight machine gun capable of delivering a sustained volume of automatic, accurate, and highly lethal fire up to ranges of 800 meters. It is fielded throughout the Army in airborne, light and mechanized infantry, and air cavalry units. The committee is concerned that the Army has eliminated funds for this weapon in the future years defense program but notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified an $18.3 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for the 4,280 remaining SAWs to complete the Army's procurement objective of these weapons. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $18.3 million for this purpose to complete the procurement objective of M249 SAWs. MK19-3 grenade launcher The budget request contained $11.8 million to procure MK19 3 grenade launchers. The MK19 3 40 millimeter automatic grenade launcher can engage point targets up to 1,500 meters in range and provide suppressive fire up to 2,200 meters. The MK19 3 can also be used as a crew-served weapon mounted on armored vehicles and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff hasMDBU identified an $8.1 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for MK19 3s for Army National Guard (ARNG) units. The committee also notes this weapon's increased importance in military operations in urban terrain and the increasing deployment of ARNG units into contingency operations of this type. Based on these factors, and consistent with prior year actions to add funds for MK19s, the committee recommends $14.3 million, an increase of $2.5 million to procure additional MK19 3 grenade launchers. Small arms production industrial base The committee understands that there is reluctance within the Department of the Army to forward requests for waivers to expand the competition on particular small arms critical repair parts contracts to the Secretary of Defense, pursuant to the authority provided in section 2473 of title 10, United States Code. The committee is concerned that such waivers requested by the Army from the Secretary of Defense have been denied. To ensure that competition is available, when necessary, the committee reiterates that waivers on small arms critical repair parts contracts should be forwarded to, and granted by, the Secretary of Defense when he believes it is not necessary to preserve the small arms production industrial base. OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,131.3 million for Ammunition Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $1,199.3 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Army ammunition procurement The budget request contained $1,131.3 million for procurement of ammunition and production base support. The committee recommends $1,199.3 million, an increase of $68.0 million for the following types of ammunition programs, which include top unfunded requirements identified by the Chief of Staff of the Army in fiscal year 2001: [Dollars in millions] Small/Medium Cal Ammunition: CTG .50 cal, SLAPT M 903 (M 962) $6.0 CTG .50 cal, Mk 211 2.0 Mortar Ammunition: CTG mortar 60mm Illum M721/M767 8.0 CTG 120mm HE M934 w/MO Fuze 5.4 CTG 120mm Illum XM930 w/MTSQ Fuze 6.6 Artillery Ammunition: Modular Artillery Charge System 20.0 Rockets: Bunker Defeating Munition 10.0 Demolition Munitions: APOBS 2.0 Production Base Support: ARMS Initiative 8.0 OTHER PROCUREMENT, ARMY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $3,795.9 million for Other Procurement, Army for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $4,095.3 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Army data distribution system (ADDS) The budget request contained $32.7 million to procure Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) radios but included no funds to procure EPLRS for the Army National Guard (ARNG). The EPLRS radio is the Army's primary position location reporting system, providing combat commanders information on the position of their forces, in addition to supporting the majority of the data communications requirements for brigade and below command and control. The system provides secure, jam-resistant, near-real-time communications and is essential to battlefield operations. The committee notes that procurement and fielding of additional EPLRS is a high priority for the ARNG since many of its units are in deployment rotations to the Balkans and, as a result, must have the necessary data communications capabilities to operate alongside active Army units. Accordingly, the committee recommends $51.2 million for ADDS, an increase of $18.5 million to procure EPLRS for an ARNG enhanced brigade. Automated data processing equipment (ADPE) The budget request contained $172.1 million for procurement of ADPE, of which $485,000 was included for automatic identification technology (AIT). AIT devices, which consist of various radio frequency, bar code scanning, and data carrier devices, are components of automated logistics systems that expedite receiving, storage, distribution, and inventory management of new and repairable items. These devices are also used to automate manufacturing process controls for aircraft repair parts and to track ground support equipment at various military depots. The committee believes that substantial savings can continue to be achieved from further implementation of these devices in automated inventory and repair processes. Therefore, the committee recommends $178.1 million, an increase of $6.0 million, for maintenance AIT implementation. Army training modernization The budget request contained $36.0 million to procure digital training facilities and supporting infrastructure for The Army Distance Learning Program (TADLP), of which $10.9 million was included for Army National Guard (ARNG) distributed training technology. TADLP provides automation and supporting infrastructure to improve the training of service members and civilian workers in both the active and reserve components to a single standard, particularly in military occupational skill qualifications. Additionally, it provides a highly effective means of delivering training and education to deployed troops while reducing training delivery time and support costs. The committee is aware of prior year increases in ARNG funding for online courseware and training to enhance its role in support of ``first responders'' to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents. The committee understands that the ARNG has identified over 120 training courses as essential for online WMD-related training and believes it is important to support the ARNG's WMD first-response training requirement. Therefore, the committee recommends $44.0 million for TADLP, an increase of $8.0 million, for ARNG distributive training technology to continue online courseware development and procure commercial-off-the-shelf management system hardware and software for WMD first-response training requirements. Combat support medical The budget request contained $31.6 million to procure deployable medical systems and field medical equipment but included no funds for rapid intravenous (IV) infusion pumps or for Life Support for Trauma and Transport (LSTAT) units. The budget request also contained $6.3 million in PE 64807A, but included funds for LSTAT. The Rapid IV infusion pump is a miniature, portable, lightweight pump specifically designed for life-saving intravenous fluid resuscitation by a medic in the field to restore blood pressure and prevent shock and death of victims with severe blood loss or dehydration. This system was developed in conjunction with the Walter Reed Army Medical Institute of Research and has received Food and Drug Administration approval. The committee understands that it is estimated that up to 15 percent of the soldiers that died in Vietnam who were not immediate battlefield casualties would have survived their wounds if rapid infusion of fluids had been a possibility during that conflict. The LSTAT integrates a set of commercially available, Food and Drug Administration-approved medical devices in a self-contained mini-intensive care, medical evacuation platform, which provides advanced life-support, on-board ventilation, suction, environmental control, oxygen generation, and patient monitoring to stabilize wounded soldiers near the battlefront as they are evacuated. LSTAT is configured on a NATO-standard litter, is broadly interoperable with other medical systems and compatible with most evacuation platforms including UH 60s, UH 1s, C 130s, and High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles. The committee is impressed with the potential life saving capability that these devices offer, and, therefore, recommends $45.6 million, an increase of $8.0 million to procure rapid IV infusion pumps and $6.0 million to begin procurement of LSTAT units. The committee also recommends $10.3 million in PE64807A, an increase of $4.0 million for development of expanded LSTAT capabilities. Combat training centers instrumentation support The budget request contained $81.8 million for combat training centers support but included no funds for either the Army National Guard (ARNG) deployable force-on-force instrumented range system (DFIRST) or the multi-purpose range complex-heavy (MPRC H). Encouraged by the fact that the DFIRST system was chosen over all current force-on-force instrumentation systems by the All Service Combat Identification Evaluation Team (ASCIET) as the instrumentation system for the fiscal year 1999 Joint Exercise, in the committee report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee recommended a pilot program at two ARNG training sites to explore the capabilities and benefits of DFIRST systems to increase readiness of ARNG units through more effective training and at a lower cost with greater safety. To continue this concept of force-on-force, simulation-based training at regional training centers, the committee recommends an increase of $10.5 million for the three additional DFIRSTs. The committee understands that targeting electronic upgrades are needed for the MPRC H authorized by the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (division B of Public Law 106 65). The committee believes that such upgrades are absolutely paramount for effectively training ARNG units for their growing worldwide deployments. Therefore, the committee recommends $3.2 million for MPRC H targetry electronic upgrades. In total, the committee recommends $95.5 million for combat training centers, an increase of $13.7 million. Communications equipment system upgrades The committee believes that currently fielded military radios and communication systems still require upgrades to improve operational capability and dependability, as well as reduce operations and support costs and is aware that Military Standard 188 141A includes an approved miniaturized, multi-function, digital communications technology, based on compressor and expander techniques, that dramatically improves quality of voice and data communications over both wired and wireless networks. Accordingly, the committee expects the Department of Defense to continue to use this technology, when cost effective, to upgrade and improve current communications systems such as, but not limited to, the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, the Joint Tactical Radio System, and the ARC 190 and PRC 104 radios. Construction equipment service life extension program (SLEP) The budget request contained $2.0 million for service life extensions to various types of construction equipment but included no funds to conduct an Army National Guard (ARNG) D 7 dozer and Army Reserve heavy grader and scraper SLEP. The committee understands that the majority of the currently fielded ARNG D 7 dozers have an average age of 27 years, well beyond their intended 15 year service lives and that there are no plans to replace them. Additionally, the committee notes that the average age of Army Reserve graders and scrapers is 15 years. Both of these types of equipment continue to have greater demands placed on them by the increased ``operations-other-than-war'' deployments being fulfilled by the reserve component have been called upon to fulfill. Therefore, the committee recommends $12.0 million for construction equipment SLEPs, an increase of $5.0 million for an ARNG D 7 dozer SLEP and $5.0 million for an Army Reserve heavy scraper and grader SLEP. Cranes The budget request contained $6.1 million to procure cranes, of which $3.0 million was included for the procurement of three replacement wheel-mounted, 25-ton all-terrain cranes (ATECs). However, no ATECs were requested for the Army Reserve (AR). The ATEC is a multi-use, state-of-the-art, commercial all-terrain crane used for engineer construction excavation, lifting and loading general supplies and materiel, and bridging movement. The ATEC replaces three existing types of cranes, which range in age from 19 to 30 years old and suffer from low operational readiness rates and high operations and support costs, with a single, state-of-the-art unit that exceeds all three of the obsolete cranes' capabilities. The committee notes the importance of ATECs in fulfilling Army Reserve combat support and combat service support mission requirements and recommends $16.1 million, an increase of $10.0 million, to procure ATECs for the Army Reserve. Deployable universal combat earthmovers (DEUCE) The budget request contained $14.1 million to procure DEUCEs. The DEUCE is a military-unique, high speed, earthmoving tractor capable of clearing, leveling, and excavating operations for light and airborne divisions. The committee understands that the DUECE will be a critical piece of equipment for the Army's interim medium brigades. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $14.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to procure 36 DEUCEs for the Army's initial and interim brigades as part of the service's transformation. Therefore, the committee recommends $24.3 million, an increase of $10.2 million, to begin fielding DEUCEs to the interim brigades. Family of heavy tactical vehicles (FHTV) The budget request contained $166.1 million for the procurement of the FHTV. Although the budget request included $121.8 million for Army National Guard (ARNG) FHTV and $6.2 million for Army Reserve FHTV, no funds were included for the procurement of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) or Heavy Expanded Mobility Trailers (HEMAT) for ARNG Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) battalion conversions. The HEMTT is a diesel powered, 10-ton, 8-wheel drive, tactical vehicle that transports ammunition, and petroleum. The vehicle is also produced in wrecker, tanker, and tractor variants and is the prime mover in support of certain missile systems, including the MLRS. The committee notes the Army Chief of Staff has identified an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for additional HEMMTs and HEMATs for ARNG MLRS battalion conversion. The committee is also aware of a HEMTT fire truck shortfall in two Army Reserve combat service support companies that are designated as force package one units. These vehicles would replace obsolete fire trucks that were commercially adapted for military purposes. The committee recommends $171.1 million for the FHTV, an increase of $3.8 million to procure both HEMTTs and HEMATs for ARNG MLRS battalion conversion and $1.2 million to procure three HEMTT fire trucks for the Army Reserve. Family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) The budget request contained $438.3 million for procurement of, and identified improvements to the FMTV, of which $84.0 million was included for two and one-half-ton variants for the Army National Guard (ARNG) and $33.8 million was included for these variants for the Army Reserve. The FMTV comprise the Army's two and one-half-ton and five-ton, common chassis cargo and utility trucks. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $118.9 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for reserve component FMTV due to the increasing reliance upon the reserves for combat support and combat service support missions. The committee strongly supports upgrading the reserve component's aging fleet of trucks and, therefore, recommends $473.3 million, an increase of $35.0 million for additional Army Reserve two and one-half-ton and five-ton FMTVs. High mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) The budget request contained $110.7 million for 1,002 HMMWVA2s, which incorporate upgraded electrical, braking, engine and transmission improvements as well as a 15-year corrosion prevention program, but included no funds for HMMWVs to fill critical shortages in Army Reserve combat support and combat service support units. The HMMWV is a multi-service, four-wheel drive utility and logistics vehicle. The Army fleet is used for personnel and weapons transport, medical evacuation, and as an air defense weapon-mount platform. While recognizing that the HMMWVs requested in the budget will replace older vehicles in high priority active component units, the committee is concerned that certain Army Reserve units do not have enough HMMWVs to meet their growing mission and deployment requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends $115.7 million, an increase of $5.0 million, for 100 Army Reserve HMMWVA2s. Hydraulic excavator (HYEX) The budget request contained $8.3 million for procurement of HYEXs, of which $2.6 million was included for 11 Army Reserve HYEXs. The HYEX is a diesel driven, self-propelled, tracked vehicle with a wide variety of excavation attachments used for general excavation; digging; trenching and lifting for lines of communication; logistics-over-the-shore, and other construction activities primarily in support of Corps and Echelons Above Corps levels. The committee understands that a HYEX shortfall exists in high priority Army Reserve construction units and that these units will continue to operate existing obsolete equipment for the foreseeable future until it is replaced. Based upon increased reliance on the reserve component to provide engineer equipment for operations-other-than-war, and disaster/humanitarian relief operations, the committee recommends $10.6 million, an increase of $2.3 million, for 13 additional Type I HYEXs for the Army Reserve. Information system security program (ISSP) The budget request contained $54.4 million, $46.6 million, and $15.7 million to procure secure voice and data equipment for the Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively. The committee report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162) recommended an increase of $9.0 million in fiscal year 2000 to support the services' efforts to replace older secure voice and data systems with modern multi-media secure digital communications equipment. The committee continues to strongly support upgrading critical telecommunications equipment to safeguard classified or sensitive information in the face of growing information security threats. Therefore, in order to accelerate the replacement of obsolete secure voice and data terminals, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million to procure additional secure terminal equipment: $4.0 million for the Army ISSP, $4.0 million for the Navy and Marine Corps ISSP, and $4.0 million for the Air Force ISSP. Integrated family of test equipment (IFTE) The budget request contained $65.4 million to procure IFTE, of which $37.1 million was included for Contact Test Sets (CTS) Soldier Portable On-System Repair Tool (SPORT). The CTS SPORT is the Army's standard lightweight, ruggedized, portable tester used at all levels of maintenance to automatically diagnose faulty electronic components for immediate replacement. The committee has strongly supported the IFTE program over the years and continues to believe in the productivity improvements resulting from automatic test equipment usage. Therefore, the committee recommends $70.4 million for IFTE, an increase of $5.0 million, to procure additional CTS SPORTs. However, the committee is aware that the current CTS SPORT indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract will expire in June 2001. Based on the importance of the CTS SPORT to numerous weapons systems and to avoid possible fielding interruptions for this equipment, the committee expects the Secretary of the Army to extend the current ID/IQ contract for CTS SPORT and understands that this extension would require no government costs. Laundries, showers, and latrines The budget request contained $12.6 million to procure the Laundry Advanced System (LADS). The LADS is a mobile field laundry designed to launder clothing at four times the capacity of the current, but obsolete M 85 field laundry system and recycle 99 percent of the water used by the M 85 system. The committee believes the logistical benefit to field combat service support units from reduced water usage combined with the enhancement to deployed soldiers' quality of life provided by LADS are impressive. Consequently, the committee strongly supports the Army's efforts to replace the obsolete and unserviceable M 85 system and recommends $21.6 million, an increase of 9.0 million, to accelerate procurement of LADS. Lightweight maintenance enclosure (LME) The budget request contained $2.0 million to procure LMEs. The LME is a lightweight, frame-supported tent designed to provide forward deployed maintenance units a quick setup-and-takedown enclosed shelter in which to perform field maintenance operations across the battlefield in all climatic conditions. The committee notes that mobility will be the hallmark of the Army's future medium brigades and that they must therefore be capable of rapidly repairing and maintaining equipment while deployed. The committee also notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $4.6 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for LMEs to maintain production at minimum sustaining rate. Therefore, the committee recommends $6.6 million, an increase of $4.6 million, for the procurement of additional LMEs and to maintain a minimum production rate. M56 smoke generator system The budget request contained $11.4 million for the procurement of M56 smoke generator systems. The M56 smoke generator system, the primary battlefield obscurant for Army light forces, is a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle-mounted system capable of disseminating smoke in both a stationary mode and on the move. The M56 can defeat enemy sensors such as tank thermal sights as well as smart and guided munitions, which operate in the visual through far infrared regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum. The committee understands that the M56 has been designated as an essential item of equipment for early entry forces yet is not being produced at an economic production rate. Therefore, to address this problem, the committee recommends $22.8 million, an increase of $11.4 million, to reach an economic production rate of this system. M915/M916 line haul truck tractor The budget request contained $43.0 million for 915A3 line haul tractors, of which $3.4 million was included for M915A3s for the Army Reserve. The M915A3 line haul tractor is a six-by-four wheel drive vehicle fielded primarily in medium transportation companies and used to haul containers and petroleum over both primary and secondary roads. The committee notes that currently fielded M915 tractors are experiencing reduced mission capable rates and are both difficult and expensive to operate due to old age. To correct this deficiency and to fill critical shortages in Army Reserve line haul companies, the committee recommends $44.6 million for M915/M916 line haul truck tractors, an increase of $1.6 million to procure 12 additional upgraded M915A3 tractors. Night vision devices The budget request contained $34.1 million to procure night vision devices, of which $29.5 million was included for AN/PVS 7 night vision goggles. However, no funds were included for third generation, 25 millimeter (mm) image intensification tube upgrades. The AN/PVS 7 night vision goggle is a state-of-the-art image-intensifying system, which can be head- or helmet-mounted to enhance the dismounted soldier's nighttime operations. The 25mm image intensification tube upgrade program, which replaces less capable tubes with the third generation variant in fielded AN/PVS 4 night vision goggles and AN/TVS 5 night vision sights, provides a minimum 25 percent resolution increase in these systems. The committee has consistently supported additional funds for night vision devices the past five years, and notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified $14.8 million unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 to procure AN/PVS 7 night vision goggles and $8.4 million for third generation, 25mm image intensification tube upgrades. Consistent with prior year actions, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million for AN/PVS 7 night vision goggles and $8.4 million for third generation, 25mm image intensification tube upgrades. The committee expects $400,000 of the AN/PVS 7 increase to be used to procure these goggles for Army Reserve combat support units. Nonsystem training devices The budget request contained $91.9 million for procurement of various training devices and range modernization but no funds were included for continued procurement of engagement skills trainer (EST) 2000 or Abrams Full-crew Interactive Skills Trainers (A FIST) XXI upgrades for the Army National Guard (ARNG). The EST 2000 simulates three-dimensional targets in several realistic terrain environments, providing marksmanship, squad-tactical, and close-range shoot-no-shoot training. This system also provides both shooter and instructor with real-time and post-exercise weapon handling technique feedback. The committee understands that the ARNG has a requirement for 100 EST 2000 systems. The ARNG A FISTs do not meet current Army tank gunnery training standards and require software upgrades to enhance training on the tank commander's weapon station and to provide identical gunnery matrices to the Conduct Of Fire Trainer, the Army's standard for stand-alone precision gunnery training devices. The committee understands that these upgrades will offer significant training advantages for tank crews as well as reduced maintenance costs. The committee also understands that the ARNG has developed a three-year, A FIST XXI conversion program to incorporate these upgrades. The committee believes that these training systems are critical for ARNG forces' marksmanship and gunnery simulation training in light of their increased worldwide deployments. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million for procurement of 30 EST 2000 systems and an increase of $9.0 million for the first increment of a three-year A FIST XXI conversion program, both for the ARNG. In total, the committee recommends $108.9 million for nonsystem training devices, an increase of $17.0 million. Reserve component automation system (RCAS) The budget request contained $91.5 million to procure and field RCAS equipment and software. The RCAS is critical to the day-to-day operation and mobilization capability of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. If continued support for, and improvements to, this program are not made, the reserve components will experience a significant deterioration in their ability to mobilize in support of national security missions in a timely manner. The committee understands that there is a limitation of Army funds allocated for the RCAS beyond fiscal year 2002. The committee expects the Secretary of the Army to budget sufficient funds in the future years defense program to ensure that the RCAS will be able to effectively fulfill the administrative support and mobilization requirements of the reserve components. The committee also expects the Secretary to provide a report to the congressional defense committees on the yearly allocation of funds required annually maintain and improve the RCAS program by March 1, 2001. Ribbon bridge The budget request contained $15.7 million for ribbon bridge equipment but included no funds to procure this equipment for Army National Guard (ARNG) multi-role bridge companies (MRBC). Ribbon bridge equipment consists of 10-ton, 8-wheel drive M1977 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck Common Bridge Transporters, M15 Bridge Adaptor Pallets, and M14 Improved Boat Cradles. The committee understands that seven ARNG MRBC will be established in fiscal year 2001 using existing engineer bridging equipment and older, lower-capacity, five-ton trucks. The committee also understands that without additional funds, these new MRBC units will not begin conversion to the new equipment required for their mission until fiscal year 2004. Therefore, the committee recommends $42.7 million for ribbon bridging equipment, an increase of $27.0 million to accelerate the fielding of two ARNG MRBC. Single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) family The budget request contained $18.3 million for the procurement and the fielding of airborne SINCGARS, but included no funds to procure SINCGARS advanced system improvement program (ASIP) radios for the Army National Guard (ARNG). The SINCGARS ASIP radio upgrades early version voice-only radios and includes a tactical Internet controller and integrated communications security enhancements, which provide commanders a highly reliable, easily maintained, secure voice and data handling command and control capability. The committee understands that two ARNG divisions still require improved SINCGARS; and, without these upgraded radios, these forces will be unable to transmit and receive data from their active Army components when participating together in joint and combined operations. Therefore, the committee recommends $49.0 million for SINCGARS, an increase of $30.7 million, to procure SINCGARS ASIP radios for one ARNG division. Small tug The budget request contained no funds to procure small tugs. The small tug is a 60-foot, steel hull, twin propeller vessel designed to tow general cargo barges in harbors, inland waterways, and along coastlines. It is also capable of assisting larger tugs in mooring ships of all sizes at piers and in restricted navigation waterways, moving of floating cranes and machine shops, and performing line-handling duties. The committee is aware of the Army's intent to replace its unreliable 40-year old small tugs that were used in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and understands that it has increased its requirement to fifteen tugs to replace these older vessels. The committee included an increase of $4.7 million in fiscal year 1999 to procure two additional tugs and $9.0 million in fiscal year 2000 to complete the earlier requirement of eight tugs. However, the committee notes that the Army has not budgeted for the additional seven new tugs in its future years defense program. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million to accelerate procurement of 3 additional vessels towards completion of the requirement for 15 small tugs. Standard integrated command post system (SICPS) The budget request contained $36.0 million to procure SICPS components, of which $1.3 million was included for modular command post system (MCPS) tents. The MCPS tent consists of a lightweight aluminum frame, interchangeable fabric wall sections, fabric roof, floors and liners, worktables, map boards, and light sets. Multiple MCPS tents can be interconnected to create a large complex. The committee notes the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $40.1 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to accelerate the procurement of SICPS components for force packages one and two. The committee is aware of the vital role MCPS tents play in growing worldwide deployments and, therefore, recommends $41.0 million, an increase of $2.0 million and $3.0 million respectively, to procure MCPS for active and Army National Guard units. Standard teleoperating kit The budget request contained $700,000 to procure Standardized Robotic System (SRS) vehicle teleoperating kits. The SRS kit can be installed on existing tracked or wheeled vehicles to enable them to be operated by remote control, if circumstances dictate, to clear mines. The committee understands that SRS contingency sets have been responsible for detonating hundreds of mines while deployed in Bosnia. The committee also notes that redesigned combat engineer force structure requires SRS equipment at all force levels, including the new interim medium brigades. Based on the successful employment of this technology and the critical life saving mission that it performs, the committee recommends $10.7 million for standard teleoperating equipment, an increase of $10.0 million for additional SRS kits. Vibratory self-propelled roller The budget request contained $4.7 million to procure vibratory self-propelled rollers. The vibratory self-propelled roller is a commercial compacting vehicle used to support construction of airfields, logistic areas, and roads required to deploy and sustain Army forces. The committee notes that the last major procurement of this equipment occurred in the early 1980s and that its 22-year average age, combined with the effects of increased deployments, has reduced its readiness ratings to unsatisfactory levels. The committee also notes that the Army Chief of Staff has identified a $10.0 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to replace vibratory self-propelled rollers for both the active and reserve components as a fiscal year 2001 unfunded requirement. Accordingly, the committee recommends $11.7 million, an increase of $7.0 million to procure 96 additional vibratory self-propelled rollers, including $3.0 million for active Army units and $4.0 million for Army Reserve units. CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, ARMY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,003.5 million for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Army, for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends no funds for fiscal year 2001. [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION The budget request contained $1,003.5 million for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Army. The committee notes that section 1412 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 (Public Law 99 145), as amended, requires that funds for the destruction of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions, including funds for military construction projects necessary to carry out the demilitarization program shall only be authorized and appropriated in the budget of the Department of Defense (DOD) as a separate program and shall not be included in the budget accounts for any military department. The committee notes that for the second year in a row, the Department's budget request contained funds for the chemical demilitarization program in a budget account of the Department of the Army in direct violation of the law. The committee believes that the original legislation, which mandated that funds for the chemical demilitarization program be authorized and appropriated in a defense-wide budget account in order to emphasize that destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile was a national issue affecting all of the Department and not just a single military service, was sound in 1986, when the estimated cost of the chemical stockpile demilitarization program was approximately $1.5 billion, and is even more valid today, when the estimated cost of the program has grown almost ten-fold. Accordingly, the committee recommends no funding for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Army, a decrease of $1,003.5 million. The committee recommends an increase of $877.1 million for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense. AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, NAVY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $7,963.9 million for Aircraft Procurement, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $8,205.8 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Advanced helicopter emergency egress lighting system (ADHEELS) The budget request contained $21.1 million for SH 60 series modifications but included no funds for the ADHEELS. The ADHEELS provides crew escape lighting for H 60 series helicopters in the event of water impact. The committee understands that the Department of the Navy has selected ADHEELS as its future helicopter escape lighting system due to its superior performance, significantly increased operational reliability, and lower life-cycle costs. The committee strongly supports this choice and recommends $29.1 million, an increase of $8.0 million for accelerated ADHEELS procurement and installation in both new production and existing H 60 series helicopters. AN/AVR 2A laser detecting set The budget request contained $41.9 million for common electronic countermeasures modifications, of which $13.5 million was included for an AN/AAR 47 sensor upgrade. The AN/AVR 2A laser detecting set alerts pilots to the presence of impending laser beamriding missile attack in sufficient time to take evasive action. The committee notes that the Department of the Navy plans a laser warning capability upgrade to the AN/AAR 47 missile approach warning system, which would eliminate the need for a stand-alone AN/AVR 2A, but is concerned that the AN/AAR 47 upgrade might not be as capable as the existing AN/AVR 2A. Therefore, the committee expects that procurement and installation of the AN/AAR 47 sensor upgrade should not occur until the Commander of Navy Operational Test and Evaluation Forces ensures that adequate testing is undertaken, including side-by-side, on-aircraft testing comparing it with the AN/AVR 2A. AV 8B The budget request contained $226.6 million to procure 10 remanufactured AV 8B aircraft. The AV 8B remanufacture program combines a new fuselage, a power plant, and radar with other mission systems upgrades to produce a significantly more capable aircraft at 70 percent of the cost of a new aircraft. The committee notes that the Department of the Navy plans for fiscal year 2001 to be the last year for procurement of remanufactured AV 8Bs. The committee recognizes that the AV 8B performs the close air support (CAS) mission, which is critical to the successful employment of Marine forces. Additionally, the committee believes that the short take-off, vertical land (STOVL), radar-equipped AV 8B will remain an important component of CAS capability until its replacement by the Marine Corps' joint strike fighter (JSF) STOVL variant, currently in the demonstration and validation phase of its development. Since the committee understands that the Marine Corps' JSF variant is currently planned for its initial operational capability in fiscal year 2008, it expects the Secretary of the Navy to ensure that the Marine Corps has procured sufficient STOVL, radar-equipped AV 8Bs prior to discontinuing the AV 8B remanufacture program. C 40A The budget request contained no funds for procurement of C 40A aircraft. The C 40A, a long-range commercial-derivative airlift aircraft used to transport high priority passengers and cargo, will replace the Navy's 27-year-old C 9 fleet which is reaching the end of its service life. The committee understands that the Navy's aging C 9 fleet is not compliant with either future global navigation requirements or noise abatement standards, that will restrict future flights into European airfields. The committee also notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has identified additional C 40A aircraft for the Naval Reserve among his top unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $54.0 million to procure an additional C 40A aircraft for the Naval Reserve. CH 60S The budget request contained $165.1 million for 15 CH 60S helicopters and $80.4 million for advance procurement of 16 CH 60Ss in fiscal year 2002. The CH 60S replaces the H 46D for the Navy's helicopter combat support missions including vertical replenishment, cargo and personnel transfer, and search and rescue. The committee understands that the aging H 46D is increasingly expensive to operate and that its replacement with a fleet of H 60 series helicopters will avoid an estimated $22.0 billion of support costs over the next 20 years. The committee also notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has identified additional CH 60S helicopters among his top unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee believes that the aging H 46D fleet should be retired as soon as practical and, therefore, recommends $207.0 million, an increase of $41.9 million for two additional CH 60S helicopters. 2 modifications The budget request contained $18.5 million for E 2 modifications but included no funds to upgrade ready-storage Group I-configured E 2C aircraft to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration. Group I-configured E 2C aircraft are no longer usable for the Navy's fleet operations due to their outdated computer and communications capabilities but could be modified to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration which would upgrade this aircraft with satellite communications; a commercial-off-the-shelf, high-capacity mission computer and associated workstations; and the cooperative engagement capability. The committee understands that this modification will provide the E 2C fleet with a quantum leap in situational awareness and fleet-wide connectivity. Accordingly, the committee recommends $57.5 million, an increase of $39.0 million, to upgrade one ready-storage Group I E 2Cs to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration. EA 6B modifications The budget request contained $203.1 million for EA 6B modifications but included no funds for the AN/ASW 41 automatic flight control system (AFCS), which provides the EA 6B pilot with automatic speed, attitude and altitude control capabilities. The budget request also contained no funds for HAVE QUICK ARC 164 radios which employ a rapid frequency-hopping technique to provide an anti-jam radio capability. The committee understands that replacement of the current flight control system with the AN/ASW 41 AFCS will significantly increase this aircraft's mission capable rates through improved reliability and reduced maintenance man-hours. The committee notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has identified the AN/ASW 41 AFCS among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 and, therefore, recommends an increase of $21.0 million for this purpose. The committee understands that only 41 of the Department of the Navy's 123 EA 6Bs are equipped with either an ARC 164, ARC 182, or ARC 210 HAVE QUICK anti-jam radio and that during the recent Operation Allied Force engagement many EA 6Bs were not capable of jam-free ultra-high frequency (UHF) communications with other Allied aircraft in composite-force strike packages. As a result of the EA 6B's HAVE QUICK radio deficiency, the committee also understands that entire Operation Allied Force strike packages were forced to use single UHF frequencies which were vulnerable to communications jamming and could be easily monitored by our adversaries with a potential to compromise operational mission execution plans. While the committee is aware of the Department's plans to equip the EA 6B fleet with ARC-210 radios as part of the block 89A upgrade, it believes that an interim anti-jam radio capability is critical for any future EA 6B combat operations until the block 89A upgrade is complete in fiscal year 2005. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million to equip 40 additional EA 6B aircraft with ARC 164 anti-jam radios. In total, the committee recommends $226.1 million for EA 6B modifications, an increase of $23.0 million. 18 series modifications The budget request contained $212.6 million for F 18 series modifications, of which $22.7 million was included for engineering change proposal (ECP) 583 kits to modify six Marine Corps F/A 18A aircraft, $3.0 million was included for installation of ECP 560 modification kits for seven Naval Reserve F/A 18A aircraft, $5.3 million was included for two advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) pods for both Navy and Marine Corps F/A 18C/D aircraft, and $23.8 million was included for the advanced tactical airborne reconnaissance system (ATARS). The ECP 583 modification kit upgrades the radar, avionics and weapons delivery capability of the Marine Corps' F/A 18A model aircraft to the same capability as later-model F/A 18Cs. Without this capability, the F/A 18A cannot autonomously deliver precision-guided munitions (PGMs) or employ the Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The committee notes that the Navy's long-range attack aircraft plans include the employment of the F/A 18A until at least 2015. Despite the fact that the Marine Corps has a requirement to upgrade 76 of its F/A 18As with this modification, the Department of the Navy has thus far only planned to upgrade 34 aircraft. However, the committee notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) have identified ECP 583 among their top unfunded aviation requirements in fiscal year 2001 and recommends an increase of $86.9 million to procure twenty additional ECP 583 upgrade kits for the Marine Corps' F/A 18A aircraft fleet--10 for the active component and 10 for the Marine Corps Reserve. The ECP 560 modification kit upgrades only the avionics and weapons delivery capability of the Naval Reserve's F/A 18A aircraft to employ PGMs and the AIM 120 AMRAAM, improving both the Naval Reserve's F/A 18A capability and its commonality with the Navy's F/A 18C aircraft fleet. The committee notes that only 13 of the Naval Reserve's 52 F/A 18As have undergone ECP 560 modification upgrades, but understands that the Navy plans to retain its Naval Reserve F/A 18As in the inventory until at least 2012. The committee further notes that the CNO has identified the ECP 560 among his unfunded requirements for the Naval Reserve in fiscal year 2001 and recommends an increase of $31.0 million for this purpose. The ATFLIR pod detects, classifies and tracks ground targets for engagement with precision-guided munitions. The ATFLIR pod replaces the existing tactical forward-looking infrared pod that, the committee understands, has inadequate resolution, loses target track during high-G maneuvering, and does not maintain automatic track at required ranges. The committee notes that both the CNO and CMC have also included the ATFLIR among their unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001 and recommends an increase of $9.6 million for an additional three ATFLIR pods for the Marine Corps Reserve F/A 18 aircraft. The ATARS is an image acquisition, data storage, and data link sensor suite planned for use on the Marine Corps' F/A 18D aircraft. The committee notes that the recently completed ATARS operational evaluation concluded that the system was not operationally suitable due to reliability and availability problems with its ground station component. As a result, the committee believes that the Department of the Navy's $23.8 million ATARS procurement request exceeds requirements and, consequently, recommends a decrease of that amount. In total, the committee recommends $316.3 million, an increase of $103.7 million, for F 18 series modifications. F/A 18C/D tactical aircraft moving map capability (TAMMAC) The budget request contained $71.6 million for common avionics changes but included no funds for procurement of TAMMAC units for F/A 18C/D aircraft. The TAMMAC, which replaces obsolete data storage and digital video units, is a modular hardware and software system with significant memory, information processing, and video output capabilities. It provides aircrews with a graphic presentation of the aircraft's present position as well as relative positions of targets, threats, terrain features, no-fly zones, and safe bases. The committee understands that the TAMMAC also includes a ground proximity warning system to improve flight safety and will be less expensive to operate and support than the existing units. The committee notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has included procurement of the TAMMAC for the F/A 18C/D aircraft among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Accordingly, the committee recommends $80.9 million, an increase of $9.3 million to procure 80 TAMMAC units for F/A 18C/D aircraft. F/A 18E/F The budget request contained $2,818.6 million for 42 F/A 18E/F aircraft, and $101.1 million for advance procurement of 45 aircraft in fiscal year 2002. In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee supported the Navy's requirement to replace its aging fighter/attack aircraft fleet by authorizing a multiyear procurement of 222 aircraft. However, the committee notes that the Department of the Navy now plans to procure three less aircraft in fiscal year 2002 than projected in fiscal year 2000, which results in 219 F/A 18E/F aircraft planned for the multiyear procurement period between fiscal years 2000 through 2004. Consistent with the planned program of the Department of the Navy for fiscal year 2002, the committee recommends $2,612.8 million, a decrease of $205.8 million and three aircraft. The committee understands that this reduction will maintain the F/A 18E/F fiscal year 2001 procurement quantity within a range that will not affect the multiyear procurement contract. HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program The budget request contained no funds for the HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program. The HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program would restore old HH/UH 1N helicopters, currently in long-term storage facilities, for entry into a remanufacture production line that rebuilds the aircraft's avionics, propulsion, and other systems. The committee understands that current H 1 remanufacture plans would remove UH 1N helicopters from the Marine Corps' operating fleet for entry into the H 1 remanufacture production line, decreasing the number of UH 1Ns in some of the Marine Corps' UH 1N helicopter squadrons below their authorized strength. In order to avoid this situation, the committee notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have identified the HH/UH 1N reclamation and conversion program among their unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee believes that UH 1N fleet readiness will suffer if operational aircraft are removed from the fleet to be upgraded. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $17.5 million for the HH UH 1N reclamation and conversion program and believes that this increase will provide for induction of fourteen helicopters into the remanufacture production line. H 46 modifications The budget request contained $16.6 million for H 46 modifications but included no funds for the CH 46E engine reliability improvement program (ERIP) to rebuild the CH 46E's key engine components, providing improved performance, safety, and reliability. Subsequent to the submission of the budget request, the committee learned that the mean time between engine removals (MTBR) of the CH 46E's engine has rapidly declined to 363 hours, and that the CH 46E's engine performance has degraded 10 percent from original specifications. To address this problem, the committee understands that an ERIP would restore the engine's MTBR to the planned interval of 900 hours, greatly reducing operation and support costs in the process. The committee notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have identified the ERIP as an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001. Since the CH 46E is scheduled to remain in service until 2012, the committee recommends $21.6 million, an increase of $5.0 million to begin an ERIP for the CH 46E engine and encourages the Department of the Navy to budget to complete the ERIP within the fiscal year 2002 future years defense program. H 53 modifications The budget request contained $19.9 million for H 53 helicopter modifications but included no funds for AN/AAQ 29 forward looking infrared (FLIR) system kits that would provide an improved capability for the Marine Corps' CH 53E helicopters to operate at night and in poor weather conditions. The AN/AAQ 29 FLIR, which replaces the out-of-production AN/AAQ 16 FLIR, provides aircrews and embarked ground force commanders with infrared video displays, flight information, and navigational data. The committee understands that only 42 of the Marine Corps' 165 CH 53E helicopters are equipped with a FLIR system and notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have included 23 AN/AAQ 29 FLIR system kits among their unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Accordingly, the committee recommends $34.9 million, an increase of $15.0 million, for 23 AN/AAQ 29 FLIR system kits: $12.4 million for 19 system kits for active component CH 53Es, and $2.6 million for 4 system kits for the Marine Corps Reserve CH 53Es. KC 130J The budget request contained $154.8 million for two KC 130J aircraft. The KC 130J is a tactical airlift aircraft that also serves as a tanker for both helicopters and tactical fighters. The KC 130J replaces existing KC 130F, R, and T models, providing increased speed and range, a higher cruise ceiling, and a shorter take-off distance compared to the older models. The Marine Corps currently has an inventory of 35 KC 130Fs, 14 KC 130Rs, and 28 KC 130Ts. The KC 130F, which was procured between 1960 and 1962, is the oldest aircraft in the inventory and is approaching the end of its service life. The committee understands that a recent service life assessment of the KC 130F fleet revealed that unless procurement of KC 130Js is accelerated or a comprehensive and costly service life extension program is undertaken, an inventory shortfall of 15 aircraft may occur as early as 2001. In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee recommended an increase of four KC 130Js and notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified additional KC 130J aircraft among his highest unfunded aviation procurement requirements in fiscal year 2001. Therefore, consistent with its prior actions, the committee recommends $231.1 million, an increase of $76.3 million for one additional KC 130J aircraft. T 45 training system (TS) The budget request contained $268.6 million to procure 12 T 45C aircraft and associated ground-based training equipment and $5.1 million for advance procurement of 4 T 45C aircraft in fiscal year 2002. The T 45TS is an integrated training system that combines the T 45 aircraft, simulators, and computer-based training for the Navy's intermediate-level undergraduate pilot training. The committee notes that the T 45 aircraft procurement objective has decreased from 234 in the Department of the Navy's budget request for fiscal year 2000 to 169 in its request for fiscal year 2001. The committee further notes that the Navy plans to close its T 45 production line in fiscal year 2002 although the requirement for the T 45 remains at 234. Since the Navy has experienced a recent shortage of pilots and the Chief of Naval Operations has identified additional T 45 aircraft among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001, the committee is puzzled by both the decrease in its T 45 procurement objective and its proposed shutdown of the T 45 production line in fiscal year 2002. Consequently, the committee recommends $301.4 million, an increase of $32.8 million for two additional aircraft. Further, the committee encourages the Department of the Navy to restore funding in its future years defense program to continue T 45 production. Tactical air reconnaissance pod system (TARPS)-completely digital (CD) The budget request contained $37.1 million for other production charges but included no funds for the TARPS CD system, an electro-optic sensor upgrade designed to validate clear-weather digital imaging technologies and to mitigate development risks for the shared reconnaissance pod (SHARP) system. The committee notes the recent, successful at-sea deployment of the TARPS CD system and believes that the progress of the Navy's digital imaging technology risk-mitigation efforts thus far provides sufficient confidence to build on these efforts through the integration of a non-developmental, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor which will provide day/night imagery in all-weather conditions. Since the committee understands that an all-weather reconnaissance capability is a requirement for the SHARP system, it fully supports further risk-mitigation activities integrating a SAR sensor on the TARPS CD system. Accordingly, the committee recommends $44.1 million, an increase of $7.0 million, to integrate a COTS SAR sensor into the TARPS CD. UC 35 The budget request contained no funds for procurement of UC 35 aircraft for the Army, Navy or the Marine Corps. The UC 35 is a medium-range, medium-lift operational support aircraft. The committee understands that the Army, Navy, and the Marine Corps conduct the operational support airlift mission with the short-range C 12 aircraft, which is increasingly expensive to operate, and does not meet payload, range, or avionics requirements. The committee notes that the Army Chief of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have each identified the procurement of UC 35s among their unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $22.8 million for three UC 35 aircraft: $7.6 million for one Army aircraft and $15.2 million for one aircraft each for the Navy and Marine Corps. WEAPONS PROCUREMENT, NAVY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,434.3 million for Weapons Procurement, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $1,562.3 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Hellfire II missile The budget request contained no funds for Hellfire II missiles. The Hellfire II missile is a laser-guided, anti-armor and anti-ship weapon used by the Marine Corps on the AH 1W helicopter and by the Navy on the SH 60B helicopter. The committee notes that, despite increased funding provided by Congress in fiscal years 1998 and 2000, the Department of the Navy has not met its inventory requirement for these missiles. The committee further notes that, as a result of this situation, the Chief of Naval Operations has identified procurement of Hellfire II missiles among his top unfunded readiness requirements in fiscal year 2001. Therefore, consistent with its prior actions, the committee recommends an increase of $55.0 million to procure additional Hellfire II missiles. Improved tactical air-launched decoy (ITALD) The budget request contained $58.9 million for aerial targets but included no funds for the ITALD. The ITALD, launched from Navy strike aircraft, is used to deceive and saturate hostile air defense systems, thereby enhancing strike aircraft survivability. The committee understands that only 260 ITALDs have been funded to date against a Navy requirement for 1500 to 1750 systems. Because the committee believes that the use of tactical decoys significantly improves both aircrew survival and mission success, the committee recommends $68.9 million, an increase of $10.0 million, to procure additional ITALDs. Joint standoff weapon (JSOW) The budget request contained $171.6 million for the JSOW, a standoff air-to-ground glide weapon that uses global positioning system satellites and an inertial navigation system for precision guidance. The committee understands that the JSOW has performed flawlessly in over 60 combat deliveries and notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has identified the procurement of additional JSOWs among his top two unfunded weapons requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends $206.6 million, an increase of $35.0 million, to accelerate procurement of additional JSOWs. Standoff land attack missile-expanded response (SLAM ER) The budget request contained $27.9 million to convert 30 standoff land attack missiles (SLAMs) to the SLAM ER configuration. The SLAM ER is a long-range, air-to-ground, precision-guided missile that improves the SLAM's range, accuracy and lethality. The committee notes that the SLAM ER has recently completed its operational test and evaluation with both operationally effective and suitable ratings. The committee also notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has included the conversion of 60 SLAMs to the SLAM ER configuration among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 in order to reduce the risk of future missile shortages for a major theater war or contingency operation. Therefore, the committee recommends $57.9 million, an increase of $30.0 million, for the conversion of an additional 60 SLAMs to the SLAM ER configuration. AMMUNITION PROCUREMENT, NAVY/MARINE CORPS OVERVIEW The budget request contained $429.6 million for Ammunition Procurement, Navy/Marine Corps for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $481.3 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Navy ammunition procurement The budget request contained $295.9 million for procurement of ammunition. The committee recommends $317.4 million, an increase of $21.5 million for the following types of ammunition, which are among the top unfunded requirements identified by the Chief of Naval Operations in fiscal year 2001: [Dollars in millions] GBU 10/12/16 laser guided bombs/kits $15.0 MJU 52/B IR expendables 6.5 Marine corps ammunition procurement The budget request contained $133.7 million for procurement of ammunition. The committee recommends $163.9 million, an increase of $30.2 million for the following types of ammunition, which are among the top unfunded requirements identified by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in fiscal year 2001: [Dollars in millions] 5.56mm, all types $3.0 7.62mm, all types 1.0 APOBS 2.0 .50 caliber 1.0 Rocket, 83mm HEDP 10.7 Rocket, 83mm HE Common Practice 4.6 155mm Projectile Extended Range M795 7.9 SHIPBUILDING AND CONVERSION, NAVY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $12,296.9 million for Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $11,982.0 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST LHD 8 amphibious assault ship The budget request contained no funds for procurement of a WASP-class (LHD) amphibious assault ship. The committee understands that the Navy intends to procure the LHD 8 amphibious assault ship in fiscal year 2005 due to funding constraints, but notes that both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps have identified the LHD 8 as an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001. The committee further notes that procurement of the LHD 8 before fiscal year 2005 could result in significant savings and result in more stable funding for the Navy's shipbuilding plan. Therefore, the committee recommends an additional $10.0 million for advance procurement and long lead materials for the construction of LHD 8. Auxiliary dry cargo ship The budget request contained $339.0 million for the procurement of an auxiliary dry cargo ship (ADC(X)). The committee is satisfied that the Navy has programmed sufficient resources to provide for engineering and other one-time costs of the lead shipyard in the ADC(X) program. However, since the program calls for the ADC(X) class ships to be built by two shipyards, the committee is concerned that the Navy has not also provided sufficient resources to fund engineering and other non-recurring activities unique to the second shipyard. The committee understands that if these activities are not adequately funded, the award of the prime contract for the ADC(X) may be delayed. The committee is concerned that procurement of ADC(X) ships in the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN) account does not adequately reflect the unique logistics and sealift mission of these vessels. The committee understands that the ADC(X) will be used to move cargo and other supplies to forward-deployed fleet units and believes that a vessel performing this mission would be more appropriately funded in the National Defense Sealift Fund (NDSF). The committee has therefore transferred the funds requested for the ADC(X) in the SCN account to the NDSF and directs the Secretary of the Navy to fund ADC(X) procurement in the NDSF in future budget requests. Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $339.0 million to the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy request and an increase of $349.0 million to the National Defense Sealift Fund, including $339.0 million to procure an ADC(X) and $10.0 million to fund engineering and other non-recurring activities necessary to support construction of this ship class at two shipyards. Submarine force level The 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) established a force of 50 nuclear powered attack submarines (SSNs) as adequate to support the national military strategy and subsequent budget requests have supported this force level. However, the 1999 Attack Submarine Study conducted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff found that the QDR force level is insufficient to meet near- and long-term operational requirements. Due to the low rate of attack submarine procurement during the 1990s any force structure increase above the QFR level over the long-term would require a sustained increase in VIRGINIA class SSN procurement. Although sustained procurement of sufficient numbers of new submarines is the only long-term solution to the SSN force structure shortfall, the committee is aware of near-term cost-effective opportunities to increase the number of submarines in the fleet. The committee understands that the budget request contains sufficient funds through fiscal year 2005 to refuel four LOS ANGELES class SSNs that would otherwise be retired well before the end of their useful service lives and strongly supports this effort as well as a longer-term opportunity to refuel, in lieu of retirement, an additional three LOS ANGELES class SSNs. The committee is also aware of the opportunity to refuel and convert four OHIO class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to nuclear powered cruise missile submarines (SSGNs) in lieu of retirement. Although its final configuration would be dictated by arms control considerations, the SSGN would provide a stealthy conventional strike platform to support theater Commanders-in-Chief (CINC) requirements for precision cruise missiles. The committee supports the use of all reasonable means to increase the submarine force level through increased procurement of new submarines as well as refueling and conversion, in lieu of early retirement, of existing submarines. The committee believes that this combination of efforts would provide the most cost-effective way of maintaining an adequate submarine force that is capable of meeting current and future challenges to U.S. national security interests. Submarine refueling overhauls The budget request contained $72.3 million for advance procurement for submarine refueling overhauls but included no funds for advance procurement for refueling overhauls associated with the conversion of ballistic missile submarines to cruise missile submarines. The committee is aware of the Navy's proposal to convert four OHIO class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to nuclear powered cruise missile submarines (SSGNs) as a means of providing theater Commanders-in-Chief (CINCs) with increased numbers of cruise missiles for conventional precision strike missions. The committee notes that a requirement of any conversion program would be the refueling of the nuclear reactors of the candidate SSBNs. The committee understands that the Navy has no experience with refueling OHIO class SSBNs and that the submarines converted to SSGNs would also be the first of the class to require refueling. Therefore, in order to reduce risk in any potential SSGN conversion program, the committee recommends $86.3 million for submarine refueling overhauls, an increase of $14.0 million, for advance planning and procurement for OHIO class submarine refueling overhauls. OTHER PROCUREMENT, NAVY OVERVIEW The budget request contained $3,334.6 million for Other Procurement, Navy for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $3,432.0 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST AN/SPS 73 (V) surface search radar The budget request contained $4.9 million for items less than $5.0 million but contained no funds for the AN/SPS 73 (V) surface search radar. The Navy currently operates several different surface search radars on its ships but has begun the replacement of these various systems with the AN/SPS 73 (V) radar. The AN/SPS 73 (V) is a commercial-off-the-shelf system that has improved performance over current radars and reduced support costs through standardized logistics and maintenance requirements. The committee continues to support the accelerated standardization of surface search radars and recommends an increase of $14.0 million for the procurement of additional AN/SPS 73 (V) radars for this purpose. Aviation life support The budget request contained $20.4 million for aviation life support equipment for Navy and Marine Corps aircrews. The Marine Corps currently uses a mix of aircrew night vision systems procured during the 1980s and 1990s, some of which are incompatible with the latest glass cockpit displays in new fleet aircraft. The Marine Corps is moving toward a standardized configuration for aircrew night vision equipment, but currently has an inadequate supply of modern systems. The committee notes that this shortfall was identified by both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps as an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001. The committee notes that Congress has previously added funds to this program to facilitate the upgrading of fixed and rotary wing aircrews with state-of-the-art night vision systems. The committee supports the continuation of this effort and recommends an increase of $9.9 million to procure additional AN/AVS 9 night vision goggles for Marine Corps aircrews. Education support equipment The budget request contained $2.1 million for the virtual recruiting program, which utilizes computer-based recruiting kiosks. The committee understands that the Navy is facing serious challenges in meeting recruiting goals and has established a pilot program to use computer-based kiosks to provide potential recruits with access to information about the Navy in an interactive format. The committee further understands that the preliminary results of the pilot project have been very successful but that the budget request fails to fully fund this promising program. Accordingly, the committee recommends $4.1 million for education support equipment, an increase of $2.0 million, to procure an additional 150 armed forces recruiting kiosks in order to fully fund the virtual recruiting program. High-pressure cleaner The budget request contained $58.9 million for ship support equipment items less than $5.0 million but included no funds for high-pressure non-hazardous dry steam solvent-based cleaners. The committee is aware that the Navy and the Marine Corps are each using high-pressure dry steam solvent-based cleaners facilities to clean turbine engine parts, avionics, printed circuit boards, and a wide variety of other military equipment in an environmentally responsible manner. The committee also understands that the Navy has estimated substantial maintenance cost savings associated with the use of these cleaners and recognizes the value of their widespread use. The committee agrees with the Navy's findings and, therefore, recommends $60.9 million for ship support equipment items less than $5.0 million, an increase of $2.0 million, for the procurement of high-pressure dry steam solvent-based cleaners. Joint tactical terminal The budget request contained $32,000 for the Joint Tactical Terminal (JTT). The committee is fully supportive of the Navy's efforts to field the JTT but is aware that the Navy has a shortfall in purchasing the required number of terminals. Accordingly, the committee recommends $6.0 million, and increase of $6.0 million, to correct this deficiency. Mobile remote emitter simulator (MRES) The budget request contained $15.1 million for weapons range support but included no funds to procure MRES systems. The MRES is a high power electronic warfare threat simulator that is capable of illuminating aircraft, ships and other signal collection platforms. The committee notes that Congress provided additional funding to procure an MRES system each year since fiscal year 1998 in order to upgrade the Navy's electronic warfare testing and training facilities. The committee supports the continuation of this modernization effort and recommends an increase of $7.5 million for the procurement and installation of one MRES system. Nuclear attack submarine (SSN) acoustics The budget request contained $106.6 million for SSN acoustics but included no funds for the refurbishment and upgrade of TB 23 submarine towed arrays. The committee understands that the Navy intends to upgrade all submarine towed acoustic arrays with the TB 29A array beginning in 2002 but at a rate that will require the TB 23 array to remain in service for at least the next decade. The committee further understands that the TB 23 array must be refurbished and upgraded periodically to maintain the reliability and effectiveness of this critical acoustic sensor. Therefore, in order to ensure that the submarine force retains modern and reliable acoustic sensors until completely outfitted with the TB 29A array, the committee recommends $114.6 million for SSN acoustics, an increase of $8.0 million, to sustain the TB 23 array refurbishment and upgrade program. Operating forces industrial plant equipment The budget request contained $2.7 million for operating forces industrial plant equipment but included no funds for expeditionary maintenance facilities (EMF). The committee is aware that the Navy is decommissioning its repair tenders, thereby limiting its ability to rapidly deploy a ship and equipment repair capability to support forward deployed forces. However, the committee is also aware that EMF, surface and air transportable, self-contained repair and maintenance facilities that can be operational within 72 hours of deployment, can meet the Navy's needs for a rapidly deployable repair and maintenance capability. The committee fully supports the EMF concept and, therefore, recommends $7.7 million for industrial plant equipment, an increase of $5.0 million, to procure seven of the facilities. Other training equipment The budget request included $21.4 million for other training equipment, of which $16.4 million for the procurement of equipment to support the Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) program. The BFTT system allows surface combatants and aircraft carriers to conduct realistic coordinated training scenarios using ownship equipment instead of shore-based training simulators. In fiscal year 2000, Congress provided funds for upgrades to the BFTT system in order to provide an Air Traffic Control (ATC) training capability for aircraft carrier crews. In order to complete this upgrade, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million. Sonobuoys The budget request contained $49.5 million for the procurement of sonobuoys, including AN/SSQ 36, AN/SSQ 53E, AN/SSQ 57, AN/SSQ 62E, AN/SSQ 77, AN/SSQ 101, and Signal Underwater Sound (SUS) buoys. The committee notes that the Navy's peacetime annual requirement for sonobuoys is approximately 100,000 units of all types, but the budget request would fund about 63,000. The Navy's low sonobuoy procurement rate continues to fall far short of annual peacetime anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training requirements. The committee is concerned that the supply of sonobuoys could be quickly exhausted in the event of a major theater contingency involving airborne ASW operations. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million to address the sonobuoy shortfall, distributed as follows: $3.0 million for AN/SSQ 53E, $5.0 million for AN/SSQ 62E, and $10.0 million for AN/SSQ 77. Undersea warfare support equipment The budget request contained $847,000 for undersea warfare support equipment but included no funds for surface sonar windows and domes. The committee understands that the Navy has developed a new material and production process for surface ship sonar dome windows because reliable sources for the material previously used are no longer available. The committee also understands that it is critical that the Navy validate the new sonar dome material fabrication process to support orders for spare sonar dome windows. Therefore the committee recommends $5.8 million for undersea warfare support equipment, an increase of $5.0 million, to complete development of production tooling and fabrication of the first production sonar dome with the new material system. WSN 7B ring laser gyro (RLG) The budget request contained $33.4 million for other navigation equipment, including $7.4 million for the procurement of 11 WSN 7 RLGs. The WSN 7 RLG is the common RLG ship navigation system for surface ships and submarines. The committee has recommended a total increase of $52.0 million for the procurement and installation of WSN 7 RLGs over the four preceding fiscal years. Consistent with its actions in prior fiscal years, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million for the procurement and installation of additional WSN 7B RLGs, associated system field change kits, and simulators. This increase will allow the Navy to accelerate significantly the replacement of maintenance-intensive WSN 2 conventional gyro navigation systems in surface ships with the WSN 7B RLG. PROCUREMENT, MARINE CORPS OVERVIEW The budget request contained $1,171.9 million for Procurement, Marine Corps for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $1,254.7 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Command post systems The budget request contained $9.5 million to procure equipment for command post systems but included no funds for additional common end user computer equipment for the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES). The MARFORRES is currently implementing state-of-the-art information system networks to enable greater management of and communications with remote units. These information systems have enabled the migration from paper and manual-based business processes to the network-based flow of information in support of growing personnel management requirements for pay, medical entitlements, retention and separation. The committee understands that additional computer hardware and software, high speed printers, scanners, and multi-functional phones are required to expand the employment of these networks and notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified a $2.0 million unfunded requirement for this equipment in fiscal year 2001. Therefore, the committee recommends $11.5 million, and increase of $2.0 million, for additional common end user computer equipment for the MARFORRES. High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) The budget request contained $124.4 million for HMMWVA2s, which incorporate upgraded electrical, braking, engine, and transmission improvements as well as a 15-year corrosion prevention program. The HMMWV is a multi-service, four-wheel drive utility and logistics vehicle. The Marine Corps fleet is used for personnel and weapons transport, medical evacuation, and as an air defense weapon-mount platform. The committee understands that a 1997 corrosion study concluded that of the more than 17,800 HMMWVs procured by the Marine Corps from 1985 to 1995, 27 percent of the fleet was unserviceable due to severely corroded frames that no longer complied with manufacturer specifications. The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified the accelerated procurement of additional HMMWVA2s to replace these unserviceable vehicles as his number one ground unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001. The committee strongly supports this effort and, therefore, recommends $147.4 million, an increase of $23.0 million, for additional HMMWVA2s. Improved recovery vehicle (IRV) The budget request contained $42.6 million to procure IRVs. The 56-ton M88A1 is capable of towing only vehicles weighing less than 60 tons. Consequently, two M88A1s are required to safely tow an Abrams tank if it is rendered immobile due to combat damage or mechanical failure. The M88A2 IRV upgrade includes increased engine horsepower, as well as braking, steering, winch, lift, and suspension capabilities required to safely recover Abrams tanks and other heavy combat systems. The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified a $14.5 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 for 5 additional IRVs, which would accelerate the buyout of the program by one year. Accordingly, the committee recommends $57.1 million, an increase of $14.5 million, for 5 additional M88A2 IRV upgrades to support future expeditionary operations. Material handling equipment The budget request contained $36.3 million for the procurement of various types of material handling equipment but included no funds for the remanufacture or product improvement of D 7G bulldozers and scrapers. The D 7G bulldozer/scraper fleet is used throughout Marine Corps combat engineer and support units for airfield construction, as well as for combat clearing and debris excavation. The committee notes that the service's bulldozer and scraper fleet is over 15 years old and rapidly deteriorating. The committee also notes that the D 7G remanufacturing/product improve program will extend the life of these bulldozers and scrapers for an additional 10 years. Consistent with its actions in prior years, the committee recommends $48.4 million, an increase of $7.0 million, to remanufacture/product improve 62 D 7G bulldozers and $5.1 million to remanufacture/product improve 45 scrapers. Modification kits (intelligence) The budget request contained $5.0 million for modifications to various tactical intelligence systems, but no funds were included to procure Joint Surveillance Target and Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) Common Ground Stations (CGS) or Joint Service Workstations (JSWS). The Joint STARS CGS will provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander with near-real-time battle space surveillance and command and control capability by integrating into a single station the processing of signals, imagery, and other intelligence received through a data link from the Air Force's E 8 Joint STARS aircraft radar. The system detects, locates, tracks, and classifies both moving and stationary targets beyond the forward line of troops. The JSWS, a principal component of the Joint STARS CGS, was developed for fixed-site locations that do not require all of the communications assets and deployability provided by a CGS. The committee notes the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified an $8.5 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to procure 1 CGS and 3 JSWS, which would accelerate the approved acquisition objective by one year to fiscal year 2001. The committee is aware of the proven success of the CGS and understands the additional CGS and three JSWSs will provide the necessary assets for MAGTFs throughout the Fleet Marine Force, while greatly enhancing the MAGTF commanders' situational awareness. Therefore, the committee recommends $13.5 million, an increase of $8.5 million, for 1 Joint STARS CGS and 3 JSWSs. Radio systems The budget request contained $3.1 million for procurement of radio systems but no funds were included to procure Tactical Hand Held Radios (THHR). The THHR is a military-ready, multi-band, secure voice and data radio that will provide Marine reconnaissance teams, and squad-/ platoon-size units with a lightweight, standardized, maintainable communications capability that is interoperable with numerous Department of Defense legacy communications radios. The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified THHRs as an unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001, which would meet the entire acquisition objective for replacing existing obsolete radios. Because the committee believes that the services must have interoperable communications in support of the growing number of joint operation deployments and supports the need for greater communications capability within small units, the committee recommends $15.1 million for radio systems, an increase $12.0 million to procure THHRs. Small unit riverine craft (SURC) The budget request contained no funds to procure a SURC. The committee understands that there is a requirement for a SURC to support Marine Corps operations for a fast, shallow draft, high capacity craft that is C 130 deployable and that such a craft would provide Marine units with the capability to insert combat troops into a riverside environment. The committee is supportive of this requirement and, therefore, recommends an increase of $2.0 million to procure a SURC for the Marine Corps. Training devices The budget request contained $30.8 million to procure of numerous training and simulation systems, but no funds were included for upgrades to fielded indoor simulated marksmanship trainers (ISMT). The ISMT-enhanced (E) will be a deployable, interactive, three-dimensional simulation-based indoor training system for individual and small tactical unit marksmanship training. System enhancements will allow Marines to receive marksmanship training on all infantry weapons and replicate known-distance range qualification courses, offensive and defensive combat situations, and shoot-no-shoot decision-making exercises, all of which would normally be performed on an outdoor range using live ammunition. The committee notes that 97 of the Marine Corps' 603 ISMTs will receive the enhanced upgrade in fiscal year 2000 and that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified an $8.7 million unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001 to upgrade the remaining 506 ISMTs. The committee believes that it is critical for Marines to maintain high marksmanship standards and that the ISMT E will provide the training designed to compliment live-fire requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends $39.5 million, an increase of $8.7 million, to complete ISMT E upgrades. AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE OVERVIEW The budget request contained $9,539.6 million for Aircraft Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $10,267.2 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST A 10 modifications The budget request contained $33.9 million for A 10 aircraft modifications but included no funds for the integrated flight and fire control computer (IFFCC) or for the situation awareness data link (SADL) for the Air National Guard's (ANG) A 10 fleet. The IFFCC is a replacement for the A 10's existing weapons delivery computer, which has no additional processing power for future growth. The committee understands that the Air Force plans to conduct a multi-stage improvement program for the A 10 that will significantly enhance its communications, threat warning and precision-guided munitions capabilities but will be unable to proceed with this program without the IFFCC. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified the IFFCC among his top 20 unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 in recognition of its importance to future A 10 modernization and recommends an increase of $6.8 million for this purpose. The SADL provides the ANG A 10 fleet with an all-weather, secure, jam-resistant, low-cost data link using commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting system radios. The committee understands that the A 10 SADL would prevent battlefield fratricide, integrate with the Army and Marine Corps digitized battlefield, and has growth capability for future data link upgrades. The committee notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified the A 10 SADL among his unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001 and recommends an increase of $8.6 million for this cost effective modification. In total, the committee recommends $49.3 million, an increase of $15.4 million, for A 10 aircraft modifications. Aircraft navigational and passenger safety equipment The budget request contained various amounts in several aircraft modification budget lines for the procurement and installation of aircraft navigational and passenger safety equipment. The committee has recommended increases for passenger and navigational safety for several years, supporting the Secretary of Defense's directive to improve aircraft flight and passenger safety subsequent to the crash of a cabinet secretary's CT 43 aircraft in 1996. These increases have funded both terrain avoidance warning systems (TAWS), which project an aircraft's position relative to the ground and improves pilot situational awareness by warning of potential ground impact, and traffic collision and avoidance systems (TCAS), which provide predictive collision avoidance information regarding an aircraft's position relative to another aircraft. The committee notes that other safety upgrades are also planned in the future years defense program (FYDP) such as cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, and predictive windshear radars. While the Department of Defense continues to fund these upgrades in both the fiscal year 2001 budget and the FYDP, the committee believes that such navigational and passenger safety improvements should be expedited. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million to accelerate upgrades of the TAWS, TCAS, cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, and predictive windshear radars on passenger-carrying aircraft. Additionally, the committee expects the secretaries of the military departments to report to the congressional defense committees by February 1, 2001, on the passenger and navigation safety upgrade status and plans for each of its passenger-carrying aircraft. This report should identify which aircraft need to be equipped with TAWS, TCAS, cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, and predictive wind shear radars. C 130 modifications The budget request contained $91.5 million for C 130 modifications but included no funds for the carry-on situation awareness data link (SADL) or the AN/APN 242 for the Air National Guard's (ANG) C 130 fleet. The carry-on SADL provides the ANG's C 130 aircraft fleet with an all-weather, secure, jam-resistant, and low-cost data link using commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting system radios. The committee understands that, without the carry-on SADL, the ANG's C 130 transport and rescue aircraft will be incompatible with the Air Force's Air Expeditionary Force packages, and notes that the Chief of the ANG has identified the C 130 carry-on SADL among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million to procure carry-on SADLs for the ANG's C , EC , HC , and MC 130 aircraft fleets. The AN/APN 242 is a weather and navigation radar that replaces the 1950's-era AN/APN 59 radar currently installed on the ANG's C 130 aircraft fleet. The committee understands that the AN/APN 59, in addition to being obsolete, has a mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) rate of 40 to 100 hours and is costly to maintain. The committee also understands that the AN/APN 242 radar has significantly improved performance capabilities, a projected MTBF rate of 1800 hours, and that maintenance cost savings associated with the AN/APN 59's replacement will pay for the AN/APN 242's acquisition within five years. To improve C 130 mission capability and reduce maintenance costs, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million for AN/APN 242 radars for the ANG's C 130 fleet. In total, the committee recommends $107.5 million, an increase of $16.0 million, for C 130 modifications. Compass call block 30/35 mission crew simulator (MCS) The budget request contained $1.4 million for C 130 post-production support, but included no funds for a Compass Call block 30/35 MCS. The EC 130H Compass Call is used to disrupt enemy command and control communications, and the block 30/35 MCS would provide aircrew training for the current block 30 and planned block 35 aircraft configurations. The committee understands that the current EC 130H mission simulator is an obsolete, block 20 configuration which limits training effectiveness for block 30- and 35-configured Compass Call aircraft due to its inability to generate sensitive mission scenarios typical of actual flying missions. The committee notes that training in actual block 30-configured EC 130H aircraft is expensive and for this reason the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified the Compass Call block 30/35 MCS among his top unfunded readiness requirements in fiscal year 2001. Because the committee believes that a state-of-the-art simulator is required for this high-demand, low-density aircraft, it recommends $25.1 million, an increase of $23.7 million, to procure a Compass Call block 30/35 MCS. C 135 modifications The budget request contained $328.2 million for C 135 modifications but included no funds for reengining KC 135E aerial refueling aircraft or for the KC 135 carry-on situation awareness data link (SADL) for the Air National Guard (ANG). The committee remains a strong supporter of the KC 135 reengining program and understands that reengined KC 135s are capable of shorter take-offs, operating with higher gross weights, meeting or exceeding all noise and pollution standards, and offloading more fuel. The committee notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified reengining of the KC 135E among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends an increase of $52.0 million for two KC 135E reengining kits. The KC 135 carry-on SADL provides the ANG's KC 135 tanker aircraft fleet with an all-weather, secure, jam-resistant, and low-cost data link using commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting system radios. The committee understands that without the KC 135 carry-on SADL, ANG tanker aircraft will be incompatible with the Air Force's Air Expeditionary Force packages. The committee notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified the KC 135 carry-on SADL among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million to procure additional SADLs for the ANG's tanker fleet. In total, the committee recommends $386.2 million, an increase of $58.0 million, for C 135 modifications. C 17 The budget request contained $2,211.9 million to procure 12 C 17 aircraft and $266.8 million for advance procurement of 15 aircraft in fiscal year 2002 but included no funds for an additional weapon system trainer (WST) at the C 17 training base or for a maintenance training system (MTS) for the Air National Guard (ANG). The committee understands that the C 17 training base currently has three WSTs, but it needs a fourth system to accommodate the increased pilot production anticipated in fiscal year 2004 when additional aircraft and pilots are projected to arrive. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified an additional C 17 WST among his top unfunded readiness requirements in fiscal year 2001. In order to ensure that the C 17 training base will have sufficient capacity to meet required pilot production levels, the committee recommends an increase of $14.9 million for procurement of an additional WST. The C 17 MTS is designed to qualify personnel to maintain the C 17 aircraft. In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee recommended an increase of $3.5 million for advance procurement of long-lead items for the MTS. The committee understands that the ANG unit that will receive C 17 aircraft in fiscal year 2003 requires an MTS for initial qualification of its maintenance personnel prior to the arrival of the aircraft but notes that the Department of the Air Force has still not budgeted for this system. Therefore, consistent with its prior actions and to deliver a maintenance training capability on schedule, the committee recommends an increase of $11.0 million for the MTS. In total, the committee recommends $2,237.8 million for the C 17, an increase of $25.9 million. C 17 reverse-affiliate units The committee notes that the Air Force is retiring its aging C 141 aircraft fleet and replacing it with the C 17, which was recently combat proven in Operation Allied Force, to meet the Department of Defense's airlift mobility requirements. The committee also notes the Air Force's increasing reliance on, and importance of, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) units to accomplish the airlift mission and that several reserve units are scheduled to begin retiring their C 141 aircraft in fiscal year 2003 without a designated follow-on mission identified. In light of the current AFRC pilot and technician recruiting and retention shortfalls, the committee is concerned that the Secretary of the Air Force has yet to make a time-sensitive determination of a follow-on mission for those AFRC units with retiring C 141 aircraft. Accordingly, the committee urges the Secretary of the Air Force to designate a mission for the AFRC units affected by the retirement of the C 141, especially those units with a joint-service requirement, and requests the Secretary to strongly consider the designation of a reverse-affiliate C 17 unit at bases where one of these units is located. A C 17 reverse-affiliate unit would permit the AFRC to continue to utilize existing aircrew and maintenance personnel expertise in its operations and maintenance responsibilities for AFRC-assigned C 17 aircraft, while also providing mission-ready aircraft that could be flown by active duty Air Force aircrews. Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 56 The budget request contained $165.5 million for various RC 135 and U 2 aircraft modifications but included no funds for RC 135 training aircraft, an updated C 135 operational flight trainer (OFT II), RC 135 global air traffic management (GATM) upgrades, or the theater airborne warning system (TAWS) for the RC 135 Rivet Joint (RJ). The committee notes that the theater and functional commanders-in-chief (CINCs) have repeatedly testified that their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements, particularly those supported by ISR aircraft such as the RC 135 and U 2, are not currently satisfied due to the limited number of these platforms. The committee understands that the Air Force does not have a dedicated RC 135 aircrew training aircraft and that this deficiency contributes to the limited number of aircraft available to meet CINC requirements. To increase the availability of RC 135 mission aircraft to the CINCs, the committee recommends an increase of $44.0 million to modify two C 135 aircraft into an RC 135 training aircraft configuration. The C 135 operational flight trainer (OFT I) is the aircraft simulation training device for the RC , OC , WC , and TC 135 pilots. The committee understands that OFT I is obsolete due to its outdated engine and aircraft avionics configurations and that OFT II would train aircrews to operate the re-engined and updated-avionics-configured C 135 model aircraft. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included the procurement of OFT II among his top five unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 and recommends an increase of $9.0 million, of which $6.5 million is for an OFT II and $2.5 million is to equip this OFT II with motion simulation. RC 135 GATM upgrades include: interference resistant navigational receivers, global positioning system upgrades, a traffic collision and avoidance system, radios to permit reduced vertical separation between aircraft during Atlantic Ocean transit, cockpit voice recorders, and flight management system upgrades. The committee understands that, without these upgrades, RC 135 aircraft will be restricted from flying the most direct and fuel-efficient ocean routes and altitudes, will be subject to critical landing-phase navigational radio interference, and will not be equipped with the Secretary of Defense-directed safety modifications until after fiscal year 2005. To meet these vital needs, the committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included RC 135 GATM upgrades among his unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001, and consequently, recommends an increase of $28.4 million for this purpose. The TAWS significantly improves the accuracy of ballistic missile warning on RC 135 RJ, a tactical reconnaissance aircraft. In its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162), the committee recommended an increase of $17.3 million for the RC 135 RJ TAWS and believes that continued integration of these suites is critical to tactical missile defense warning. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million for continued procurement and installation of TAWS suites on the RC 135 RJ aircraft. To consolidate RC 135 modifications in DARP, line 56, and U 2 modifications in DARP, line 80, the committee recommends a transfer of the $5.1 million budgeted for RC 135 aircraft modifications in DARP, line 80 into this budget line; and a transfer of the $18.3 million budgeted for U 2 aircraft modifications in this line into DARP, line 80. This transfer results in a $13.2 million decrease to this line and an increase of $13.2 million in DARP, line 80. In total, the committee recommends $243.7 million for DARP, line 56, an increase of $78.2 million for RC 135 modifications. Finally, the committee is concerned about the Department of the Air Force's budget plan for the RC 135's joint signals intelligence avionics family (JSAF) upgrades and notes that the request would budget for a single JSAF suite for the RC 135 but additional suites are not planned until fiscal year 2005. Without full and continuous funding for this upgrade, the committee understands the first system, if installed onto the RC 135, would result in a unique RC 135 aircraft configuration which would increase unit support costs for that aircraft. Accordingly, the committee believes the new JSAF system should continue development and testing in the RC 135 systems integration laboratory and on the U 2 aircraft until the Department of the Air Force budgets to upgrade all 16 RC 135 aircraft. Defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), line 80 The budget request contained $98.4 million in DARP, line 80, for various U 2 and RC 135 aircraft modifications, of which $1.8 million was included for senior year electro-optic reconnaissance system (SYERS) sensor spares and $17.0 million was included for a joint signals intelligence avionics family (JSAF) suite for the U 2. However, the budget request did not include any funds for additional U 2ST aircraft, a two-seat trainer version of the single-seat U 2S reconnaissance aircraft. SYERS is an electro-optic camera system that provides real-time imagery to national decision makers and tactical forces. The committee understands that the budget request underfunds initial deployment spares for the SYERS upgrade by $3.0 million and, accordingly, recommends an increase of this amount. The JSAF provides an upgraded information collection capability for the U 2S. The committee understands that the budget request is insufficient to procure an entire JSAF suite and required spares and cabling. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million for this purpose. The committee understands that there are only four U 2STs and that without an additional U 2ST, the U 2S pilot production rate does not meet requirements to resolve an existing pilot shortage. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included an additional U 2ST among his top five unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001 and, accordingly, recommends an increase of $10.0 million to convert a U 2S into a U 2ST aircraft. Including transfers between DARP lines 56 and 80 discussed elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends $128.6 million, an increase of $30.2 million, for U 2 modifications. 15 modifications The budget request contained $258.2 million for F 15 modifications, of which $37.3 million was included for modification kits that convert the F100 engine to the F100 220E configuration. However, the budget request included no funds for F 15 Bofers launchers (BOL) countermeasure dispenser systems for the Air National Guard's (ANG) F 15A and B aircraft, which would significantly improve its survivability. Conversion kits for the F 15's F100 engine, also known as ``E-kits,'' provide increased thrust, greater reliability, better fuel efficiency, and reduced operations and maintenance costs. The committee understands that, without the E-kit modification, ANG's F 15A/B fleet will be increasingly costly to operate and maintain, less safe, and have diminished availability to respond to the Air Force's Air Expeditionary Force contingency operations. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $70.0 million for E-kits to accelerate the conversion of the ANG's F 15A/B aircraft engines to the F100 220E configuration. The committee understands that the Air Force's test of a BOL countermeasures dispenser system on the F 15 aircraft revealed that this system provided a dramatic increase in the aircraft's chaff and flare capacity and a new preemptive expendable capability. The committee also understands that the Air Combat Command has identified an urgent requirement for a preemptive chaff and flare capability on the F 15, and notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has included integration of such capability on F 15A and B aircraft among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million to integrate the BOL countermeasure dispenser system on the ANG's F 15A and B aircraft. The committee also recommends $68.9 million, an increase of $7.6 million, in PE 27134F for F 15 operational systems development to complete foreign comparative test activities for integration of this system on all F 15 aircraft, as reflected in Title II of this report. In total, the committee recommends $358.2 million, an increase of $100.0 million for F 15 modifications. Additionally, the committee notes that the Air Force modifies its F 15 fleet with a series of individual modifications rather than through a comprehensive block upgrade approach, such as the B 2 block modification upgrade program, in which several modifications are accomplished at one time. Since the committee believes that an F 15 block upgrade program would be more efficient, reduce cost, increase aircraft availability, and increase readiness through a reduction in the number of different F 15 configurations, it strongly encourages the Secretary of the Air Force to implement an F 15 block upgrade program beginning with the Air Force's fiscal year 2002 budget request, and expects the Secretary to report to the congressional defense committees his plan to implement such a block upgrade program. 15E The budget request contained no funds for procurement of F 15E aircraft. The F 15E is a two-seat, missionized-cockpit, dual-role fighter that retains an air-to-air capability and adds the systems necessary to meet the requirement for an all-weather, deep penetration, day/night air-to-surface attack aircraft. The committee notes that the Air Force plans to operate its inventory of 218 F 15Es until 2030, and further notes that the F 15E fleet has recently experienced very high operational tempos. The committee believes, therefore, that additional attrition reserve aircraft should be procured. Consequently, the committee recommends an increase of $149.8 million for two F 15E aircraft. 16 modifications The budget request contained $248.8 million for various F 16 modifications, of which $6.0 million was included to procure 29 ALE 50 towed decoy launcher pylons. However, the request included no funds for the LITENING II precision attack targeting system (PATS) or for airborne video solid-state recorder systems (AVSRs). The committee understands that Air National Guard (ANG) F 16 units equipped with the F 16C block 25 and 30 aircraft have an immediate shortfall in precision strike capability. The committee notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified procurement of additional LITENING II PATS as his number one unfunded requirement in fiscal year 2001. This system, which consists of a third-generation forward-looking infrared and a laser spot tracker, will allow ANG block 25 and 30 F 16s to participate in future Air Expeditionary Force contingency operations. The committee notes that the ANG has a requirement for 160 LITENING II PATSs, but only 56 have been funded. The committee believes the integration of ANG F 16s into precision strike operations is essential to the Total Force concept and, therefore, recommends an increase of $25.0 million to procure 17 additional systems. The ALE 50 towed decoy pylon enables F 16C aircraft to carry the ALE 50, a radio-frequency repeater which is used to decoy an incoming threat missile away from the aircraft. The committee understands that the ALE 50 was one of the most effective countermeasure devices used during Operation Allied Force and that it is credited with saving several aircraft. Also, the committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified procurement of the ALE 50 towed decoy pylon among his unfunded modernization requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends $18.3 million, an increase of $12.3 million, to accelerate the production of 111 additional ALE 50 towed decoy pylons. The AVSR is a commercial off-the-shelf replacement for the F 16's existing mechanical airborne video tape recorders which, the committee understands, are difficult to maintain and have low reliability. The committee also understands that the AVSR will provide a dramatic improvement in mean time between failure, has no moving parts which can break or wear out, requires no scheduled maintenance and will save an estimated $80 million in life-cycle costs compared to the F 16's current system. Therefore, to improve reliability and reduce F 16 airborne video tape recorder ownership costs, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million for the AVSR. In total, the committee recommends $298.1 million for F 16 modifications, an increase of $49.3 million. 16 improved avionics intermediate shop (IAIS) The budget request contained $25.5 million for F 16 post production support, of which $5.0 million was included for one IAIS system. The F 16 IAIS system is a mobile test station used to diagnose and repair F 16 avionics problems at deployed locations. Because the F 16 IAIS uses fewer people and requires less cargo space for transit than the existing avionics intermediate shop, deployments of F 16 units which have the IAIS require less airlift support. The committee understands that 63 F 16 IAISs are required but notes that only 48 have been--or are planned to be--procured in the future years defense program. The committee notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has identified additional IAISs among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Therefore, the committee recommends $49.5 million, an increase of $24.0 million for five additional F 16 IAIS systems, including two for active, two for Air National Guard, and one for Air Force Reserve units. 16C The budget request contained no funds for the procurement of F 16C aircraft, the primary multi-mission fighter aircraft of the Air Force. The committee notes its continuing strong support for the F 16C program and that Congress provided an increase of $24.0 million in fiscal year 2000 for advance procurement of additional aircraft in fiscal year 2001. Finally, the committee notes that the Department of the Air Force planned to procure 20 additional aircraft (10 each in fiscal years 2002 and 2003) but has subsequently revised its plan and now intends to procure six aircraft in fiscal year 2003 and seven in each of fiscal years 2004 and 2005. Therefore, consistent with its previous actions, and noting that both the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Chief of the Air National Guard have identified additional F 16C aircraft among their top unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001, the committee recommends an increase of $51.7 million and expects that the Department will combine these funds with the $24.0 million appropriated for advance procurement in fiscal year 2000 for to procure three F 16C block 50/52 aircraft. The committee observes that the Senate Committee on Appropriations report on H.R. 2521 (S. Rept. 102 154) stated, ``the Committee directs that F 16 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force during fiscal year 1992 be turned over to those Air National Guard F 16's units which served in Operation Desert Storm.'' The committee further observes that the statement of the managers accompanying the conference report on H.R. 2521 (H. Rept. 102 328) stated, ``The Committee of Conference directs the Air Force to initiate, immediately in the first quarter of fiscal year 1992, the modernization process for those Air National Guard F 16 units that deployed to Operation Desert Storm, in priority over any nondeploying unit, leading to equipping these deploying units with updated F 16 aircraft. Units with the Close Air Support (CAS) mission will be equipped with Block 30 aircraft.'' The committee notes that the Air Force complied with the aforementioned directives but subsequently reversed that action when it removed the block 30 aircraft of the 174th Fighter Wing and replaced them with less capable block 25 aircraft. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to assign F 16 block 40, or later model F 16 aircraft, to Air National Guard units whose capabilities have been downgraded as a result of the substitution of older block aircraft when F 16C block 50/52 aircraft procured in fiscal year 2001 are delivered to the Air Force. 8C joint surveillance and target attack radar system (STARS) The budget request contained no funds for advance procurement to continue E 8C Joint STARS aircraft production. The E 8C Joint STARS aircraft provides near real-time surveillance and targeting information on moving and stationary ground targets, enabling battlefield commanders to quickly make and execute engagement decisions. Although its situational awareness value to commanders has prompted the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) to validate a requirement for 19 aircraft, the Department of the Air Force has budgeted only for 15. While the committee is encouraged that the Department has funded the 15th Joint STARS aircraft in its budget request, it remains concerned that, despite the JROC-validated requirement for 19 aircraft, the Department plans to shut down the E 8C production line after this aircraft is produced. These ``low-density, high demand'' aircraft are among the most sought-after assets by the regional commanders-in-chief for a range of reconnaissance and surveillance operations and have been combat proven in the recent Operation Allied Force. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million for advance procurement of a 16th E 8C Joint STARS aircraft. Lightweight environmentally sealed parachute assembly (LESPA) The budget request contained $28.2 million for other aircraft modifications but included no funds for the LESPA. Due to its longer repack cycle and extended service life, the committee continues to believe that the Department of the Air Force will realize substantial life cycle cost savings with LESPA, compared to existing parachutes, and has previously recommended procurement of LESPAs for the Navy's P 3 and E 2 aircraft. Consistent with its previous actions to reduce ownership costs, the committee recommends $35.2 million for other aircraft modifications, an increase of $7.0 million for LESPAs to replace existing parachutes in C 130, C 141, C 5 and KC 135 aircraft. Predator The budget request contained $22.1 million for procurement of the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. The committee understands that the Air Force is experiencing vanishing vendor problems with some of the current hardware in the Predator ground station and that there is a requirement to control multiple Predator aircraft simultaneously from a single ground station. The committee is also aware that there are required air vehicle reliability and maintainability upgrades that have not been funded. Consequently, the committee recommends $34.1 million for the Predator, an increase of $12.0 million for upgrading the current ground stations with commercial hardware, for integrating the capability to control multiple UAVs simultaneously and for improving air vehicle reliability and maintainability. Finally, the committee is aware that a jointly funded effort between the contractor and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has developed a turbo-prop variant of the Predator to be followed by a jet-powered variant. Both of these Predator-B variants use the current Predator ground station, avionics, datalink, and control software but provide major performance improvements over the current aircraft, including a maximum speed in excess of 200 knots and a service ceiling to 45,000 feet. While the current Predator has clearly proven its military worth, given these performance improvements, a Predator-B would appear to satisfy many niche missions for which the current vehicle is not well-suited. The committee believes that a Predator-B would be a valuable addition to the Predator fleet and that a mix of Predator-A and -B aircraft would cost effectively satisfy all Predator mission requirements. Therefore, the committee requests the Secretary of the Air Force to conduct an assessment of the utility of a Predator-B aircraft, including the benefits or problems operating a mixed Predator fleet. The committee further requests the Secretary report his findings to the congressional defense and intelligence committees concurrent with the submission of the fiscal year 2002 budget request. T 3A modifications The budget request contained $1.9 million for T 3A aircraft modifications. The committee notes that the Department of the Air Force has removed the T 3A from service for screening prospective pilot candidates prior to entry into undergraduate pilot training. Consequently, the committee recommends no funding for T 3A modifications, a decrease of $1.9 million. AMMUNITION PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE OVERVIEW The budget request contained $638.8 million for Ammunition Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $638.8 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] MISSILE PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE OVERVIEW The budget request contained $3,061.7 million for Missile Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $3,046.7 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST AGM 65 modifications The budget request contained $2.0 million to convert 200 AGM 65G missiles to the AGM 65K configuration. The AGM 65 is a precision guided tactical missile employed on the F 16 and A 10 aircraft. The ``G'' configuration has an infrared target seeker that can be upgraded to the ``K'' configuration, which uses an updated electro-optical (EO) seeker. The ``B'' configuration has an obsolete EO target seeker that can be upgraded to the ``H'' configuration, which also uses an updated EO seeker. Since the committee understands that over 5300 AGM 65s were fired in Operation Desert Storm and over 800 in Operation Allied Force, it believes that the current upgrade rate can neither meet future operational requirements nor provide sufficient missiles for training. Consistent with its prior year actions in adding funds for these upgrades, the committee recommends $7.0 million, an increase of $5.0 million, for conversion to both the AGM 65H and K configurations, of which some missiles should be procured for Air National Guard pilot training. Medium launch vehicle (MLV) The budget request contained $55.9 million for MLV launch operations. The committee notes that the MLV is used for Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite launch operations and that, due to the restructuring of the GPS program, GPS launches have been delayed. Consequently, the committee believes that the budget request contains funds in excess of MLV program requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends $45.9 million for MLV, a reduction of $10.0 million. Titan The budget request contained $469.7 million for the Titan launch vehicle and launch operations. The committee notes that the management contingency funding request for the Titan program is substantially larger than that of other programs of comparable maturity and believes that the budget request contains funds in excess of requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends $459.7 million, a reduction of $10.0 million. OTHER PROCUREMENT, AIR FORCE OVERVIEW The budget request contained $7,699.1 million for Other Procurement, Air Force for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $7,869.9 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Automatic data processing equipment (ADPE) The budget request contained $74.8 million for ADPE but included no funds for the spare parts production and re-procurement system (SPARES), a web-based, industry-standard electronic storage and management system. The committee understands that SPARES has enabled parts procurement times to be reduced from 90 to 15 days and field maintenance response times to be reduced from 14 days to only a few hours. The committee continues to consider these figures impressive as it did when recommending increased funding for SPARES in its report on H.R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162) for fiscal year 2000. Therefore, consistent with its prior actions, the committee recommends $84.8 million, an increase of $10.0 million, to continue procurement of the SPARES. AN/FPS 117 radar beacon replacement The budget request contained $54.4 million for communications electronics modifications but included no funds for replacement of beacons on AN/FPS 117 radars. The AN/FPS 117 is a minimally attended, long-range radar system used to provide air defense and air traffic control in the Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska. The committee understands that the AN/FPS 117's beacons, which provide identification friend or foe information to military air defense controllers as well as altitude and aircraft identification to civilian air traffic controllers, are increasingly unsupportable due to out-of-production parts and do not meet Federal Aviation Administration regulations for air traffic control. The committee believes these radars should not be allowed to deteriorate and, therefore recommends $69.4 million, an increase of $15.0 million, to begin a program for integration, testing and replacement of AN/FPS 117 radar beacons. Eagle vision The budget request included no funds for procuring the processing hardware necessary to complete the Eagle Vision 4 imagery system. Eagle Vision is a ground station that receives and processes imagery from commercial remote sensing satellites. The committee fully supports the Eagle Vision commercial imagery initiative, which has provided unique, unclassified imagery support to meet theater and service requirements that, due to higher priorities, cannot be met by other technical means. The committee believes that this initiative needs to be fully funded to continue such support. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for completing the Eagle Vision 4 processor installation. Rivet joint mission trainer (RJMT) The budget request contained $12.8 million for RC 135 Defense Aerial Reconnaissance Program procurement but included no funds to provide a forward-deployed training capability for the RJMT, the primary RC 135 Rivet Joint (RJ) ground training simulator. The RC 135 RJ is a tactical reconnaissance aircraft that provides real-time intelligence to combat forces. The committee understands that the procurement of an enhanced field exportable training system (EFETS) would improve training and readiness by allowing deployed RC 135 RJ crewmembers to use existing post-mission ground data processing equipment to function as an RJMT. Since procurement of an additional RJMT for deployed locations would not be required, the committee further understands that the EFETS would save the Air Force $27.4 million and notes that the Air Force Chief of Staff has included $15.5 million for the EFETS among his top five unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends $28.3 million, an increase of $15.5 million for this purpose. Senior scout The budget request contained $5.5 million for procurement of intelligence communications equipment, including $2.0 million for procurement of spares and replacement equipment for the Senior Scout tactical reconnaissance aircraft. The committee is pleased that the Air Force has decided to retain the Senior Scout reconnaissance capability to augment the high demand/low density airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleets in the reserve component. However, the committee is disturbed that the Air Force has not added funding to upgrade the Senior Scout to more effectively interoperate with other ISR aircraft and, more importantly, the combat aircraft it supports. Therefore, the committee recommends $13.7 million for intelligence communications equipment, an increase of $8.2 million for Senior Scout collection and dissemination upgrades and for the addition of a deployable ground data reduction system. Situation awareness data link (SADL) gateway for the theater air control system (TACS) The budget request contained $15.4 million for TACS improvement but included no funds to initiate a program for the SADL gateway for the Air National Guard's (ANG) TACS. The SADL gateway for the ANG's TACS would use commercial-off-the-shelf enhanced position location reporting system radios, a laptop-sized computer, and an integrated software package to provide datalink-equipped ground assets with friend or foe track identification when an aircraft's transponder is not operating. This capability would enable ANG TACS participants on the ground to view the entire air battle picture. The committee understands that this system would help prevent battlefield fratricide and notes that the Chief of the Air National Guard has identified the SADL gateway for the ANG's TACS among his unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. Consequently, the committee recommends $19.8 million, an increase of $4.4 million, to initiate a SADL gateway program for the ANG's TACS. Supply asset tracking system (SATS) The budget request contained $15.1 million for mechanized material handling equipment but included no funds for SATS. SATS provides the capability to quickly and accurately identify and locate personnel, equipment and supplies through the use of commercial automated information technology. The committee understands that this system enhances productivity, shortens inventory cycles, and allows real-time inventory updates. The committee notes that Congress has provided additional funds for SATS installation over the past two years and accordingly, recommends $27.1 million, an increase of $12.0 million, to continue the installation of this system at Air Force bases worldwide. PROCUREMENT, DEFENSE-WIDE OVERVIEW The budget request contained $2,275.3 million for Procurement, Defense-Wide for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $2,309.1 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Automated document conversion system (ADCS) The budget request contained no funds for ADCS. The committee recognizes that the ADCS program continues to perform a critical role in the attainment of the Department's goal for achieving a digitally integrated, paperless environment by 2002. Although the ADCS is the Department's single most productive program in converting the vast remaining inventories of legacy engineering drawings into more useful computerized formats, the committee understands that, a significant conversion backlog remains in each service. Therefore, in order to reduce this backlog, the committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million to continue the ADCS program. Counternarcotics discreet operations radio (CONDOR) The budget request contained no funds for the CONDOR, a mobile communications system that allows encrypted as well as non-encrypted transmissions in a single device and includes a net broadcast capability for one-to-many communications similar to handheld radios. CONDOR addresses the Department of Defense's requirement to have secure and net-mode mobile communications in a device that resembles a normal cellular telephone while reducing the Department's need to maintain unique expensive wireless networks. The committee understands that NSA has procured a small number of these devices; however, additional devices are required. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million for additional CONDOR procurement. Patriot advanced capability 3 (PAC 3) The budget request contained $365.5 million for acquisition of the PAC 3 system and 40 PAC 3 missiles. The PAC 3 system is the only theater missile defense (TMD) system nearing operational deployment that is capable of defeating current sophisticated ballistic missile threats. The committee notes that the Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization has identified facilitization of the PAC 3 production line and additional procurement of PAC 3 missiles as unfunded requirements in fiscal year 2001. The committee believes that additional funds would provide both manufacturing efficiencies prior to full rate production of the PAC 3 as well as inventory growth to meet emerging threats. Because of the near-term importance of the PAC 3 for TMD, the committee recommends $430.7 million, an increase of $35.2 million for procurement of eight additional PAC 3 missiles and $30.0 million for additional facilitization of the PAC 3 production line. Portable intelligence collection and relay capability (PICRC) The budget request contained $32.3 million for special operations forces (SOF) intelligence systems but included no funds for the PICRC. The PICRC integrates commercial-off-the-shelf mapping and display software, desktop computers, hand-held computing devices, and wireless communications to enable SOF operators to employ high-resolution imagery for precision navigation, annotate real-time visual observations, and relay information to command elements. The committee understands that this system would significantly enhance SOF capabilities to accurately collect, quickly report, and promptly act upon real-time intelligence data. Consequently, the committee recommends $38.3 million, an increase of $6.0 million, for procurement of PICRC systems. CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION, DEFENSE OVERVIEW The budget request contained no funds for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends authorization of $877.1 million for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends approval of the request except for those programs adjusted in the following table. Unless otherwise specified, adjustments are without prejudice and based on affordability considerations. [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Chemical agents and munitions destruction As described elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends transferring the budget request of $1,003.5 million for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Army (CAMD, A) to Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense (CAMD, D), and recommends a total of $877.1 million for the program. The committee notes the progress during the last fiscal year in the continuing effort to dispose of the U.S. stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions and of chemical warfare related materiel, while ensuring maximum protection of the public, personnel involved in the destruction and the environment. Nearly 20 percent of the original stockpile of 31,495 tons of chemical agents has been destroyed and 90 percent of the stockpile is under contract for destruction. The committee continues to be concerned about total cost of the chemical agents and munitions destruction program (currently estimated at $14.9 billion). Section 141 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) included several measures to increase the flexibility of the program with respect to the disposition of chemical stockpile destruction facilities and the destruction of non-stockpile chemical agents, munitions or related materials in these facilities. The provision required the Secretary of Defense to assess the program and report to the Congress by March 1, 2000, the measures taken, or planned to be taken, under existing law and recommendations for additional legislation to reduce significantly program costs and to meet U.S. obligations under the CWC. The section further provided for a review and assessment by the Comptroller General of the United States of program execution and financial management for each element of the program. The committee intends to use these reports as the basis for further review of the program later this year. The committee continues to believe that, in order to ensure the maximum protection of the public, personnel involved in the destruction of the stockpile, and the environment, the Department should proceed with destruction of the stockpile as rapidly as is technically and programmatically feasible. Therefore, the committee recommends that the Secretary of Defense carry out the chemical agents and munitions destruction program in accordance with the following priorities: Execution of the baseline chemical stockpile disposal project and the alternative technologies project at those sites selected and approved for use of those technologies; and Preparation for pilot testing of those ACWA technologies which have the greatest likelihood of implementation and, if implemented, of meeting the destruction goals established by the CWC. Chemical stockpile disposal project The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction program included $105.1 million in procurement and $483.6 million in operations and maintenance funding for the chemical stockpile disposal project. The committee recommends the budget request for the chemical stockpile disposal project. Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness project (CSEPP) The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction program included $600,000 in procurement funds for minor replacement equipment and $66.7 million for CSEPP operations and maintenance. The committee notes that funds provided for CSEPP in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 were subject to reductions of approximately 9 percent and 8 percent, respectively, as a pro-rata share of reductions to the CAMD, A account. Because of the potential impact of such reductions on the safety of those living and working near or on the chemical stockpile storage and destruction sites, the committee directs that funding for CSEPP shall be at the requested level unless otherwise specifically noted. Accordingly, the committee recommends a total of $600,000 in CAMD, D Procurement, and $66.7 million in CAMD, D Operations and Maintenance, for CSEPP, as a Congressional special interest item. Alternative technologies and approaches project The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction program included $135.2 million for development of alternative technologies and approaches for the disposal of bulk chemical agents stored at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Newport, Indiana. The committee recommends the budget request for the alternative technologies and approaches project. Non-stockpile chemical materiel project The budget request for the chemical agents and munitions destruction program included $60.2 million in research and development, $16.2 million in procurement, and $47.5 million in operations and maintenance funds for the non-stockpile chemical materiel project. The committee notes that the Army has destroyed a large portion of its existing non-stockpile chemical warfare materiel and that approximately 1,400 non-stockpile chemical munitions are currently in storage awaiting destruction. However, because of technical issues, cost increases, and delays in obtaining state permits, program officials are considering alternate disposal methods, including the use of chemical stockpile disposal facilities. The committee is aware that an independent assessment of the non-stockpile project recommends seeking appropriate environmental permit language to allow destruction of non-stockpile materiel at the chemical stockpile disposal facilities. The assessment also recommends examination of the schedule and cost risks of the non-stockpile project to quantify the potential program risks, ultimate costs, and time to complete the project. The committee believes that these issues must be addressed and serious consideration given to destruction of non-stockpile chemical materiel in stockpile disposal facilities before proceeding further with development and acquisition of integrated transportable treatment systems for non-stockpile chemical materiel. Accordingly, the committee recommends a total of $47.5 million for the non-stockpile chemical materiel project, a decrease of $60.2 million for non-stockpile chemical materiel project research and development and a decrease of $16.2 million for non-stockpile chemical materiel project procurement. Chemical agent identification sets The committee notes that approximately 10,000 chemical agent identification sets (CAIS) and components, which were used to train soldiers in defensive responses to a chemical attack, are in storage awaiting destruction, and that the Army's baseline approach for treating and disposing of CAIS has been to develop a mobile treatment system in the non-stockpile chemical materiel project. The committee has reviewed the National Research Council (NRC)'s report ``Disposal of Chemical Agent Identification Sets,'' which evaluates the Army's 1998 report to Congress on alternative approaches for the treatment and disposal of CAIS. The NRC recommends that the Army reconsider its interpretation of CAIS as chemical warfare materiel under section 1512 of Title 50, United States Code, evaluate the technical feasibility of non-incineration technologies for CAIS disposal, insure the active involvement of public and other stakeholder groups CAIS project decision, and consider the potential use of chemical stockpile destruction facilities for CAIS disposal. The committee expects the Secretary of the Army to address the Council's recommendations in the next annual status report on the disposal of chemical weapons and materiel. Assembled chemical weapons assessment (ACWA) The budget request for chemical agents and munitions destruction contains $79.0 million for ACWA research and development, including $50.0 million for engineering design studies for three additional alternative technologies to be demonstrated in accordance with the statement of managers that accompanied the conference report on H.R. 2561 (H. Rept. 106 371). The committee has reviewed the progress in the ACWA program to identify and demonstrate not less than two alternatives to the baseline incineration process in accordance with Title VIII, section 8065 of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104 208) and to conduct evaluations of three additional alternative technologies. The committee notes the NRC's ``Review and Evaluation of Alternative Technologies for Demilitarization of Assembled Chemical Weapons'' dated August 1999, which concluded that the primary alternative technologies can decompose the chemical agents of concern with the required destruction efficiencies; however, testing, verification, and integration beyond the 1999 demonstration phase would be necessary. The NRC also concluded that an extraordinary commitment of resources would be required to complete destruction of the assembled chemical weapons stockpile (using any of the ACWA technology packages) in time to meet the current deadline established by the CWC. The committee notes that the NRC's ``Supplemental Review,'' dated March 2000, of the three technologies from the 1999 demonstration concluded that, while the two hydrolysis-based technologies showed promise, none of the technology packages was ready for integrated pilot programming, and the tests were not conducted for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate reliability and long-term operations. The committee notes that the two hydrolysis-based technologies are currently in the engineering design studies phase and that a site-specific Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which includes both the baseline incineration and hydrolysis options, is being submitted for the Pueblo, Colorado, chemical stockpile destruction facility in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A NEPA record of decision is expected in May 2001, approximately 15 months from the date the EIS was filed. The committee notes that contract awards for demonstration of the three additional alternative technologies were made in February 2000 and a report to Congress of the results of the demonstration is planned for March 2001. Based on this schedule and noting the concerns raised by the NRC regarding the need for testing, verification, and integration beyond the demonstration phase, the committee believes there is no requirement to begin preliminary engineering design studies for the three additional alternatives during fiscal year 2001. Accordingly, the committee recommends $29.0 million for ACWA program research and development, a decrease of $50.0 million. LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS SUBTITLE A--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS SECTIONS 101 107--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS These sections would authorize the recommended fiscal year 2001 funding levels for all procurement accounts. SUBTITLE B--ARMY PROGRAMS SECTION 111--MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY This section would authorize the Secretary of the Army to enter into multiyear procurement (MYP) contracts for the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in fiscal year 2001 and the UH 60 Blackhawk and Navy CH 60 Knighthawk utility helicopters, as the Department of the Navy's executive agent, in fiscal year 2002. This section would also prohibit the Secretary of the Army from executing a M2A3 Bradley MYP contract until a successful completion of the vehicle's initial operational test and evaluation and certification by the Secretary to the congressional defense committees that the vehicle met all of its required test parameters. SECTION 112--INCREASE IN LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF BUNKER DEFEAT MUNITIONS THAT MAY BE ACQUIRED This section would amend section 116 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103 337) to increase the number of bunker defeat munitions that may be acquired by the Army from 6,000 contingency rounds to 8,500 contingency rounds. SECTION 113--ARMAMENT RETOOLING AND MANUFACTURING SUPPORT INITIATIVE This section would modify section 193 of the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) Act of 1992 (Public Law 102 484) by extending the initiative through fiscal year 2002. The provision would also expand the purposes of the ARMS Act beyond the current facilities identified in Section 193 to include the Army manufacturing arsenals. Finally, the provision would modify Section 194 of the ARMS Act to allow the Secretary of the Army to enter into long term facilities use contracts and accept non-monetary consideration in lieu of rental payments for use of facilities. The provision would require that the Secretary of the Army provide a report to the Congressional defense committees by July 1, 2001, on the implementation of the arsenal contracts provided by the ARMS Act authority. SUBTITLE C--NAVY PROGRAMS SECTION 121--SUBMARINE FORCE STRUCTURE This section would prohibit the retirement of any Los Angeles class nuclear powered attack submarine with less than 30 years of active commissioned service. This section would also require the President to report to Congress on the submarine force structure required to support the national military strategy and the acquisition and overhaul requirements necessary to achieve and maintain such a force. Section 122--Virginia Class Submarine Program This section would authorize the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for the procurement of five Virginia class submarines during fiscal years 2003 through 2006. SECTION 123--RETENTION OF CONFIGURATION OF CERTAIN NAVAL RESERVE FRIGATES This provision would require the Secretary of the Navy to configure and equip the Naval Reserve FFG 7 Flight I and II frigates remaining in active service with the complete organic weapon system for these vessels as specified in the Navy's Operational Requirements Document and retain these frigates in their current locations. SECTION 124--EXTENSION OF MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR ARLEIGH BURKE CLASS DESTROYERS This section would authorize an extension of the existing multiyear procurement contract for the DDG 51 destroyer program through fiscal year 2005. The section would authorize the procurement of three ships per year through fiscal year 2001 and the procurement of up to three ships per year from fiscal year 2002 through 2005. SUBTITLE D--AIR FORCE PROGRAMS SECTION 131--ANNUAL REPORT ON OPERATIONAL STATUS OF B 2 BOMBER This section would repeal section 112 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101 89). This section would further require the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report on the B 2 bomber that would include assessments related to B 2 capabilities; technologies needed to enhance B 2 capabilities and the adequacy of technology investments to enhance these capabilities; and the consistency of such technology investments with the Air Force bomber roadmap and the report of the 1998 Long Range Airpower panel submitted pursuant to the requirements of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105 56). SUBTITLE E--JOINT PROGRAMS SECTION 141--STUDY OF PRODUCTION ALTERNATIVES FOR THE JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER PROGRAM This section would direct the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress providing the results of a study of production alternatives for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program and the effects on the tactical fighter aircraft industrial base of each alternative considered. TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION OVERVIEW The budget request contained $37,862.4 million for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), representing a decrease of $426.7 million to the amount provided for fiscal year 2000. The committee recommends $39,309.2 million, an increase of $1,446.8 million from the budget request. The committee notes that the fiscal year 2001 request for RDT&E funding represents the first increase in the budget request for RDT&E funding by the Administration in five years. Although this request approaches the level of funding provided by Congress in recent years, a number of important priorities are identified by the services as unfunded or underfunded. The committee has placed its emphasis on recommending increases to the request, where appropriate, to address the highest unfunded priorities identified by each of the military service chiefs, the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, the Special Operations Command, and other defense agencies prevented by funding constraints from investing in needed advanced technology. The committee remains concerned that the Department of Defense continues to place higher priority on the allocation of budgetary resources to research and development activities of some defense agencies than on those of the military services. The committee believes that the Department has not provided sufficient justification to support imbalances in funding levels between the defense agencies and the military services, and, therefore, recommends correcting these imbalances by maintaining funding of several defense agencies at the levels originally projected by the Department for fiscal year 2001 in the budget estimates provided to Congress one year ago. The budget request contained $7,543.2 million for defense science and technology, including all defense-wide and military service funding for basic research, applied research, and advanced development. The committee notes that this amount represents a decrease of $853.3 million from the amount provided in fiscal year 2000. As outlined elsewhere in this report, the committee continues to be disturbed by the growing number of military service research and development programs that have been reduced or eliminated as a result of insufficient research and development funding, and is particularly concerned with the low level of science and technology funding. The committee views defense science and technology investment as critical to maintaining U.S. military technological superiority in the face of growing and changing threats to national security interests around the world. While the budget request for RDT&E activities represents a significant reversal in the five-year trend of decline experienced by the services, the committee believes that many important programs have already experienced unnecessary cost and schedule growth as a direct result of unjustified funding constraints. The committee strongly recommends that the Secretary of Defense thoroughly review the Department's modernization investment strategy to ensure proper balance between the services and defense-wide agencies, and between legacy systems and the technological advances critical to the future superiority of the nation's military forces. [Graphic Image Not Available] ARMY RDT&E OVERVIEW The budget request contained $5,260.3 million for Army RDT&E. The committee recommends authorization of $5,500.2 million, an increase of $239.9 million. The committee recommendations for the fiscal year 2000 Army RDT&E program are identified in the table below. Major changes to the Army request are discussed following the table. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Advanced artillery systems The budget request contained $355.3 million in PE 63854A for artillery systems, and $23.2 million in PE 63635M for ground combat support systems, including $12.1 million for the lightweight 155mm towed howitzer. The committee notes that the Army and Marine Corps have identified a need for lighter, more lethal, more mobile, and strategically more deployable artillery systems to support their complementary forces. The committee further notes the joint Army-Marine Corps program with the United Kingdom to develop a new lightweight 155mm towed howitzer as a replacement for the aging and operationally deficient M198 towed howitzer for both the Marine Corps and the Army. The committee is aware that the lightweight 155mm towed howitzer has already been successfully transported by the MV 22 Osprey to demonstrate its ability to be rapidly transported on the battlefield. The committee notes that the lightweight 155mm howitzer will incorporate a modern fire-control system, not available in the M198, which will allow the howitzer to be emplaced within two minutes, and immediately fired with greatly increased accuracy. The committee also notes the Army's highest priority effort, the procurement of a medium weight brigade force and supports this effort to develop a capability to rapidly and appropriately respond to global threats. The Army has confirmed a requirement for a highly capable fire support for this new force but must rely initially on the towed M198 howitzer until the lightweight 155mm development is complete. The committee supports the rapid fielding of the lightweight 155mm towed howitzer for both the new Army medium weight brigades and for the Marine Corps, and is aware that the Marine Corps has stated a need to conduct additional testing with the United Kingdom and the Army to address at-sea environment concerns. The committee recommends an increase of $3.2 million in PE 63635M for the lightweight 155mm howitzer. The committee recommends that the Secretary of the Army expedite development of the fire control system for the lightweight 155mm towed howitzer, within available funds, so that it will be incorporated from the beginning of lightweight 155mm production. Advanced battery technology The budget request contained $23.9 million in PE 62705A for electronics and electronic devices. The committee notes that the Army and other services have identified a steady growth in requirements for affordable higher performance energy storage devices. The committee also notes that industrial development efforts are maturing a wide array of new battery technologies, including bi-polar wafer cell nickel-metal hydride technology. This emerging power supply technology offers significant improvements in storage/weight and discharge characteristics that are needed to meet emerging defense needs. The committee notes that the Army is the designated executive agent for development of power supply technologies and recommends $23.9 million in PE 62705A for electronics and electronic devices, of which $1.0 million shall be available for development of bi-polar wafer cell nickel-metal hydride technology. Aircrew coordination training The budget request contained $3.1 million in PE 63007A for manpower, personnel, and training, but included no funding for aircrew coordination training (ACT). The committee notes with concern the adverse trend in the Army aviation safety record and strongly supports efforts such as the ACT program to enhance flight safety. The committee recommends $6.1 million in PE 63007A, an increase of $3.0 million for aircrew coordination training. Apache Longbow focused modernization program The budget request contained $95.8 million in PE 23744A for aircraft modification and product improvement, but included no funds for a focused Apache Longbow modernization program. The committee is aware that despite the significant capability of the Apache Longbow, some component systems within the Apache fleet have not been modernized as part of the Longbow program. Several of these systems, based on older technology, are responsible for escalating operation and maintenance costs, and reduced overall aircraft performance. The committee recommends an increase of $18.4 million in PE 23744A for a focused Apache Longbow modernization effort as part of the Army's aviation modernization program. Army tactical unmanned aerial vehicles The budget request contained $29.4 million in PE 35204A for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAV). The committee notes that the Army just completed a successful competitive selection for an off-the-shelf TUAV. The committee notes that the Army will place increasing reliance on its TUAV and needs to field the best possible system including sensors. The committee recommends $33.4 million in PE 35204A, an increase of $4.0 million for preplanned product improvements and sensor development. Breacher system The budget request contained no funds in PE 64649A or for the procurement of the Breacher system. The Breacher, an M 1 Abrams tank chassis-based vehicle, will be used by combat engineers to clear minefields and complex obstacles on the forward edge of the battlefield. This vehicle is designed to replace several other existing breaching systems and provides increased capability to maneuver with the armor forces it supports. Although the committee understands that the Breacher was terminated to fund Army transformation priorities, the committee notes that this system is the second highest unfunded modernization requirement identified by the Army Chief of Staff in fiscal year 2001. The committee believes that termination of the Breacher was shortsighted, and therefore recommends an increase of $59.6 million in PE 64649A to complete engineering and manufacturing development and $20.0 million in procurement to begin production line facilitization. Chinook helicopter modification and improvement The budget request contained $95.8 million in PE 23744A for aircraft modification and product improvement programs, including $37.2 million for other CH 47F Chinook improved cargo helicopter (ICH), but included no funds for the CH 47D Chinook helicopter product improvements. The committee notes that the CH 47F Chinook improved cargo helicopter program will upgrade engines, airframe and avionics of approximately 300 CH 47D Chinook helicopters. The committee is aware that the Army plans to protect helicopters, including the ICH, from the serious threat posed by infrared guided missiles by acquiring the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS) that includes portions of the existing joint service ALE 47 programmable countermeasure dispenser. However, the committee is aware that the ATIRCM/CMWS development is delayed and the system may not be available for several years. The committee believes it is unsatisfactory for the Army to delay procurement of the proven ALE 47 countermeasure system while awaiting ATIRCM/CMWS. Therefore, the committee directs the Army to include the ALE 47 programmable countermeasure dispensers as part of the ICH program. The committee supports the ICH program; however, the committee also notes that many CH 47D models require additional product improvement to address aging and part obsolescence issues that threaten near-term flight worthiness. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army to assess the need to establish a funded Chinook product improvement program and report the results of the assessment including levels of funding required to the congressional defense committees with the submission of the fiscal year 2002 budget request. Comanche The budget request contained $614.0 million in PE 64223A for Comanche. The committee notes that the Comanche remains the Army's highest aviation modernization priority, and that the Secretary of the Army has requested an additional $48.2 million over last year's forecast in order to accelerate Comanche development. The committee notes that the Department of Defense has recently reviewed the Comanche program and determined that the program has successfully achieved all program exit criteria required before entry into engineering and manufacturing development (EMD). The committee is aware, however, that final approval for EMD is pending while the Army assesses out-year acquisition funding for Comanche. The committee supports Comanche and strongly endorses the commitment made by the Army to accelerate this program. While total out-year procurement for major programs is an important issue, the committee believes the Army has made every effort to accelerate this program within the inadequate modernization funding allowed by the Department of Defense, and strongly recommends that the Secretary of Defense grant immediate approval for Comanche's entry into EMD. This program represents the only viable solution to meet the requirement for a stealthy, rapidly deployable, and highly capable armed reconnaissance aircraft to support the Army's recently approved aviation modernization plan. The committee believes the requirement and the urgency for the Comanche has been more than adequately justified and entry into the EMD phase of the program should not be delayed pending discussions of the total planned procurement or annual rate. The committee recommends the budget request, and supports earliest possible entry into EMD. Combat identification dismounted soldier (CIDDS) The budget request contained $5.4 million in PE 64817A for CIDDS. The committee is aware that CIDDS will allow an individual soldier to identify quickly friendly forces and thus reduce the incidence of fratricide. The committee continues to support strongly all efforts to reduce fratricide and, therefore, to enhance the capability of the dismounted soldier to positively identify a target as friend or foe, recommends $10.4 million in PE 64817A, an increase of $5.0 million. Combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser The budget request contained $20.5 million in PE 62709A for night vision technology, but included no funds for the combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser. The committee notes that the combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser offers the potential to field a three-dimensional identification friend or foe system capable of identifying aircraft and vehicle threat systems in real-time. The committee recommends $25.5 million in PE 62709A, an increase of $5.0 million for the combustion-driven eye-safe self-powered laser. Common ground station The budget request contained $17.9 million in PE 64770A for continued development of the Army's Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) Common Ground Station, including $2.0 million to develop the Army's Distributed Common Ground Station (DCGS-A). The budget request also contained $5.9 million for development of a wide-band data link to provide connectivity to the Joint STARS next generation capability. The committee notes that the DCGS A effort duplicates that being conducted within the Army's Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities program. Further, the committee notes that the Air Force has not determined the next generation Joint STARS data link and will not do so until at least fiscal year 2002. Therefore, the committee believes it premature for the Army to begin design or development work for such communications connectivity. For these reasons, the committee recommends a decrease of $7.9 million in this PE 64770A to the DCGS A program. Communications and networking technologies The budget request contained $49.3 million in PE 64805A for communications, command and control engineering and manufacturing development. The committee notes that communications and networking technologies are critical to command and control, precision strike, intelligence dissemination, logistics and day-to-day business operations throughout the joint commands, military services and supporting defense agencies. The committee recognizes that the most advanced technological developments in these areas are emerging from commercial industry and are driven by the rapid evolution of the commercial markets. The committee believes that the Department must capitalize on the rapid progress being made in the commercial sector and identify, assess, adapt and integrate state-of-the-art commercial communications and networking technologies to achieve the goal of Information Superiority established by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Joint Vision 2010. The committee also believes that there are significant gains to be made by leveraging information technology developments from the commercial sector for the benefit of government users, through cooperative research and development of technologies that promise significant gains in both civil and military capabilities, and through training government personnel in these rapidly evolving technologies. Therefore, the committee recommends $62.3 million in PE 64805A, an increase of $13.0 million to accelerate on-going programs for the development and application of commercial information technologies for defense purposes and to foster cooperative and complementary information technology research and development programs. The committee recommends that the Secretary of the Army work with the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) to insure the applicability of the increased program to the overall Defense communications architecture. Defense manufacturing technology The budget request contained a total of $149.1 million for the manufacturing technology (ManTech) program, including $29.3 million in PE 78045A, $59.6 million in PE 78011N, $53.1 million in PE 78011F, and $7.1 million in PE 78011S. The committee notes the progress by the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel (JDMTP) in developing an overarching strategy for the ManTech program that focuses on defense-essential requirements, involves prospective users of the technology, ensures prioritization of projects, and plans for transition of ManTech projects to the ultimate user of the technology. The committee also notes the progress toward achieving congressional guidelines on program funding levels, particularly in the Army. The total budget request for Department of Defense ManTech represents an increase of $16.0 million above the previous year, and the five-year ManTech plan projects an 11 percent increase through fiscal year 2005, with the Army program increasing $71.2 million and stable budget projections for the Navy, Air Force, and Defense Logistics Agency. The positive funding trend will permit the establishment of new ManTech initiatives in critical defense technologies. The committee notes the increasing use of thick composite structures in rotary wing aircraft and other applications by all the military departments and encourages increased emphasis on the development of advanced manufacturing technologies for such composite structures. The committee supports a continuing program in munitions manufacturing technology and expects that munitions manufacturing technology projects will compete for funding on an equal basis with other manufacturing technologies. The committee also notes that the Army, Navy, and Air Force are developing methods to accelerate insertion of emerging microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology into tactical systems to meet precision navigation and guidance requirements. The objective of the initiative is to develop and demonstrate low cost manufacturing processes for emerging MEMS technologies that will enable the production of affordable MEMS-based inertial sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes for tactical weapons. The committee directs the Secretary of the Defense to establish a Tri-Service initiative for the development of affordable MEMS manufacturing technology, and recommends that the funding for the program be provided in the Army's ManTech program. The committee recommends $39.3 million in PE 78045A for the Army's manufacturing technology program, an increase of $ 10.0 million. The committee recommends $69.6 million in PE 78011N, an increase of $10.0 million for the Navy's ManTech program. As noted elsewhere in this report, the committee has recommended an increase of $4.5 million in PE 78011F for the development of manufacturing technology for specialty aerospace metals. Emergency preparedness training The budget request contained no funds for emergency preparedness training research and development. The committee notes the progress in development of advanced distributed learning programs for chemical and biological preparedness and consequence management response training for the Army's designated Civil Support Teams and other elements of the Reserve Components. The committee recommends a $3.0 million in PE 23610A to continue the development for selected Reserve Component forces of training programs for response to and management of the consequences of potential terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction. Future combat system The budget request contained $148.1 million in PE 63005A for combat vehicle and automotive advanced technology, including funding for efforts supporting the future combat system (FCS). The committee is aware that the Army has begun the process, through the FCS initiative, to transform the Army into a more strategically responsive force that is dominant at every point across the full spectrum of operations. The committee notes that the cornerstone of this aggressive transformation effort would begin in fiscal year 2001 with the partnership between the Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to incorporate the most promising, new, reaching technologies into a family of future combat systems. The committee notes that, while DARPA has ongoing work in many technology areas, these efforts have not been focused on solving Army identified problems or advancing technologies applicable to the future combat system. The committee believes that DARPA should dedicate more funding to the Army FCS program and other high priority requirements identified by the services. The committee strongly supports the future combat system development and notes that there is an urgent requirement to provide additional funding at the program onset to allow a more inclusive and robust concept definition phase that will enable as many participants as possible to explore innovative solutions for the future combat system. The committee is also aware that additional efforts focused on technology development in the areas such as robotics, precision weapons, active protection and signature control are needed. Therefore the committee recommends an increase of $46.0 million in PE 63005A for the future combat system. The committee notes that the joint United States-United Kingdom Future Scout and Cavalry System (FSCS) program is developing leap-ahead technology for future ground systems. Both nations are contributing funding and technology to a program regarded as an excellent example of cooperation between allies and the Army has indicated that it needs the technology from FSCS to support development of the Future Combat System. The committee is disturbed by the Army's elimination of funding for the FSCS engineering manufacturing development phase. The committee believes that the FSCS is an essential collaborative program that should continue in order to develop and demonstrate key technologies on which to build the family of future combat vehicles. The committee believes that industry should be encouraged to continue its significant private venture funding and that will only occur if the FSCS consortia can identify a firm connection between FSCS and FCS. The committee therefore directs the Secretary of the Army to report to the congressional defense committees on how the Army will sustain the joint FSCS program to develop and demonstrate key technologies applicable to the future family of combat systems, no later than December 31, 2000. Future rotorcraft technologies The budget request contained $31.1 million in PE 62211A for aviation advanced technology, but included no funds to support the initiative to focus technology for the future generation of rotorcraft. The committee notes that despite a clear need for modern, efficient, capable rotorcraft, no focused program exists to develop the enabling technologies for more efficient, affordable rotorcraft in the future. The committee recommends $33.1 million in PE 62211A, an increase of $2.0 million for future rotorcraft technologies and directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a focused program to develop technologies critical for the future rotorcraft. Guardrail common sensor The budget request contained $95.8 million in PE 23744A for aircraft modifications and product improvement programs, including $11.3 million for continued development and modification of the Army's Guardrail Common Sensor aircraft and ground stations. The committee notes that the Guardrail System 2 was recently delivered to the Army after nearly ten years of modification. Unfortunately, this system was returned without upgrades to permit the dissemination of tactical intelligence information via the Tactical Information Broadcast Service (TIBS). TIBS is the baseline for the Integrated Broadcast Service that is the DOD-mandated worldwide tactical intelligence dissemination service. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 23744A to install the TIBS capability in the final Guardrail system. Helmet mounted infrared sensor development The budget request contained $33.3 million in PE 63710A for night vision technology. The committee is aware that the Army has initiated development of a prototype helmet mounted infrared sensor system to support the warfighter that has been demonstrated to significantly improve situational awareness in all weather/environmental conditions. This technology has direct applicability to Department of Defense and civilian firefighting personnel and increases safety and effectiveness for firefighting in smoke filled environments as well as for search and rescue. The committee recommends $37.1 million in PE 63710A, an increase of $3.8 million for helmet mounted infrared sensor development. High-energy laser test facility The budget request contained $14.5 million in PE 65605A for the Department of Defense (DOD) high-energy laser system test facility (HELSTF). The committee notes the recent release of the congressionally directed DOD high-energy laser master plan and identification of a need for increased investment in solid-state laser technology. The committee is aware that HELSTF has contributed significantly to the development of high-power lasers, and will continue to provide unique capabilities for research, development, test and evaluation of high-power laser systems. The committee supports the DOD high-energy laser master plan and the selection of the Army as lead in solid-state laser development and recommends $19.5 million in PE 65605A, an increase of $5.0 million for HELSTF. Hypersonic wind tunnels The budget request contained $47.2 million in PE 62303A for missile technology, but included no funds for modernization of the hypersonic wind tunnels at the Aero-optics Evaluation Center (AOEC) The committee notes that upgrading the hypersonic wind tunnel diagnostics and instrumentation will provide enhanced testing capabilities for key ballistic missile defense programs, including Navy Area Defense, the Atmospheric Interceptor Technology project, and the Army's scramjet technology program. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62303A to upgrade hypersonic wind tunnels. Integrated inertial measurement unit-geo-positioning system The budget request contained $47.2 million in PE 62303A for missile technology, including funds for integrated guidance systems. The committee notes that the development of a highly integrated, jam-proof, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based inertial measuring unit-geo positioning system (IMU GPS) is critical to achieving the goal of affordable precision fire and forget weapons. The most demanding application for this capability is the 155mm projectile for Army and Navy applications. The committee is aware that: (1) recent Army flight tests have demonstrated significant progress and shown that the goal is achievable and (2) a development plan has been established to produce a suitable system in approximately three years. The committee further notes that this program also offers potentially significant cost growth and technical problem solutions to Navy fire support programs, and the use of IMU GPS systems by both the Army and Navy could result in billions of dollars of savings for the Department of Defense. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62303A for continued development of an integrated IMU-GPS. Land information warfare activity The budget request contained $8.1 million in PE 33140A for the information systems security program. The committee notes that the Army's land information warfare activity (LIWA) continues to develop a state-of-the-art capability for information security and analysis, and that the Department of Defense (DOD) has recently acknowledged the importance of this new capability to DOD information assurance efforts. The committee supports the Department of Defense efforts to establish such capability, and supports completion of the LIWA, including tests of that capability for Army and other entities to ensure that this potential capability is thoroughly evaluated. Therefore, the committee recommends $11.9 million, an increase of $3.8 million in PE 33140A for continued development and enhancement of the Army's land information warfare activity. Medical errors reduction research The budget request contained $15.8 million in PE 62716A for human factors engineering technology, but included no funds for the medical errors reduction research program (MERRP). The committee notes that MEERP is an extension of the previous emergency teams coordination (MEDTEAMS) program to reduce medical errors in operating rooms, intensive care units and other hospital activities and will expand that effort from the emergency department to advanced life support protocols. The committee recommends $19.5 million in PE 62716A, an increase of $3.7 million for MERRP. Mobile tactical high energy laser The budget request contained $12.6 million in PE 63308A for Army missile defense systems, but included no funds for mobile tactical high energy laser development. The committee is aware that the Army has determined a need for a mobile directed energy air defense system. The committee understands that one alternate being explored is the evolution of the stationary tactical high energy laser (THEL) being developed for Israel. A mobile THEL for the U.S. Army would require further development of key elements such as solid-state laser development, compact power sources, and a lightweight acquisition, tracking and beam direction system. The committee recommends $17.6 million in PE 63308A, an increase of $5.0 million for mobile tactical high energy laser development. National automotive center-university innovative research The budget request contained $148.1 million in PE 63005A for combat vehicle and automotive advanced technology. The committee is aware that the national automotive center (NAC) has supported efforts by various universities to perform research in a number of innovative technologies to solve current ground vehicle problems and pioneer a new generation of lighter, more efficient ground vehicles. Areas of innovation include propulsion and power sources, ultra lightweight structures and advanced materials, supported by innovative modeling and simulation. The committee supports efforts of the NAC to take advantage of university expertise and recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63005A for NAC-university innovative research. Passive millimeter wave camera The budget request contained $20.7 million in PE 62120A for sensors and electronic survivability, but included no funds for the passive millimeter wave camera. The committee is aware that passive millimeter wave camera technology offers a weather-penetrating alternative to shorter wavelength infrared thermal imaging cameras. The committee recommends $24.7 million in PE 62120A, an increase of $4.0 million for passive millimeter wave camera development. Real-time heart rate variability The budget request contained $75.7 million in PE 62787A for medical technology, but included no funds for real-time heart rate variability. The committee notes that heart rate variability technology offers the potential for enhancing assessment of disease and trauma. This technology provides the capability for emergency response personnel in trauma environments to detect injury severity, physiological stress and potential for survival. The committee supports development of real-time heart rate variability technology to enhance trauma victim survivability, and recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62787A for real-time heart rate variability technology. Semi-automated imagery processor The budget request contained $57.4 million in PE 64766A for Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities, including development of the semi-automated imagery processor (SAIP). The SAIP will provide the Department's limited number of imagery analysts with an automated target recognition assistance capability, which will greatly improve their productivity. Accordingly, the committee recommends $60.4 million in PE 64766A, an increase of $3.0 million, for continued development and fielding of the SAIP. Starstreak The budget request contained $28.8 million in PE 63003A for aviation advanced technology, but included no funds to complete flight test of the Starstreak missile. The committee continues to support the requirement for Starstreak testing mandated by in the Defense Appropriations Act, 1999 (Public Law 105 262) that required an Apache Longbow side-by-side test between the Starstreak missile and the Stinger missile. The committee notes the Army has announced its intention to begin the tests and that the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom is providing the Starstreak missiles for testing. The committee recommends $28.8 million in PE 63003A, the budget request, and recommends initiation of the planned side-by-side testing. Surveillance control data link (SCDL) The budget request contained $17.9 million in PE 64770A for improvements to the Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) ground stations, but no funds were included for the Joint STARS SCDL System Improvement Program (SIP). The committee notes the proven success of the Joint STARS system in both Operations Desert Storm and Joint Endeavor. A key feature of Joint STARS is the secure, encrypted, anti-jam SCDL. The SCDL links the Air Force's E 8 Joint STARS aircraft to the Army's Joint STARS common ground stations (CGS), enabling real-time data transfer of radar imagery intelligence data and command and control information between the aircraft and ground stations. The committee has provided increases for phases one and two of the three-phrase SIP in prior years. These phases eliminated CGS common data terminal (CDT) obsolete parts and updated older circuit boards with state-of-the-art, software-based array boards, resulting in an increased data transfer rate while reducing component cost, size, weight, and power requirements. The committee understands that the Army requires funds to complete phase three of the SCDL SIP, which would further improve interoperability through performance testing of the CDT. Based on the increased reliability and improved performance of earlier SIP upgrades, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 64770A to complete the SCDL SIP phase three engineering effort. Thermal fluid based combat feeding system The budget request contained $13.6 million in PE 63747A for soldier support and survivability, and included $3.4 million for food and food systems. The committee notes that a modern central heat unit co-generation kitchen has been developed to replace the existing field kitchen. The committee is aware that this kitchen uses diesel type fuel rather than the more flammable gasoline that has been the primary source of the longstanding fire hazards in existing field kitchens. The committee supports rapid introduction of this modern, safer kitchen, and recommends $15.1 million in PE 63747A, an increase of $1.5 million for fabrication and field testing of the thermal fluid based combat feeding system. Trajectory correctable munitions The budget request contained $29.7 million in PE 63004A for weapons and munitions advanced technology. The committee notes that the United States and Sweden have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to demonstrate a 155mm trajectory correctable munition (TCM), which employs a new technology to achieve precision indirect fire support. The committee also notes that development of this munition is on schedule and recent firing tests have successfully demonstrated achievement of key milestones. The committee recommends $37.2 million in PE 63004A, an increase of $7.5 million, and urges the Department of Defense to complete testing of the TCM round. Volumetrically controlled manufacturing technology The budget request contained $75.7 million in PE 62787A for medical technology applied research. The committee recalls that the Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 105 56) provided $2.5 million in PE 62787A for the development of a prototype artificial hip using multidimensional, volumetrically controlled manufacturing of synthetic materials. The appropriation supported the first phase of a two-year, two-phase project to develop an optimized hip stem for orthopedic implants that would address the structural failure of implants in current use. In the statement of managers which accompanied the conference report on S. 1059 (H. Rept. 106 301), the conferees stated that they were encouraged by the progress made in the program at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and the establishment of a mathematical foundation for advancing synthetic material development from two-dimensional processes to real-time, three-dimensional manufacturing. The process has the potential to eliminate the current mode of failure of conventional composite materials, namely delamination and polymer-fiber interface breakdown, and has potential applications in aerospace and other manufacturing. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62787A to continue the program for development of multi-dimensional volumetrically controlled manufacturing technology at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command. NAVY RDT&E OVERVIEW The budget request contained $8,476.7 million for Navy RDT&E. The committee recommends authorization of $8,834.5 million, an increase of $357.8 million. The committee recommendations for the fiscal year 2000 Navy RDT&E program are identified in the table below. Major changes to the Navy request are discussed following the table. [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] [Graphic Image Not Available] ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Advanced amphibious assault vehicle The budget request contained $138.0 million in PE 63611M for the Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAV). The AAAV is one of the highest priority Marine Corps modernization programs and is essential to the Marine Corps' ability to implement its operational maneuver from the sea doctrine. The committee believes that an additional engineering manufacturing development AAAV test vehicle would significantly enhance reliability testing, software maturation and other efforts designed to reduce life-cycle costs. Therefore, the committee recommends $165.5 million, an increase of $27.5 million in PE 63611M for this purpose. Advanced anti-radiation guided missile The budget request contained $21.4 million in PE25601N for operational systems development of improvements to the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) system, including $9.0 million to continue the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) project. The AARGM project is a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program to develop and demonstrate a dual-mode guidance section on a HARM airframe. Program objectives are to demonstrate an effective, affordable, and lethal suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) capability against mobile, relocatable, or fixed air defense threats in the presence of potential air defense radar emitter shutdown or other anti-radiation missile countermeasures. The AARGM technology demonstration program is an outgrowth of a Phase I and Phase II competitive SBIR program, which successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a dual-mode seeker to address anti-radiation missile countermeasures. The dual-mode technology under development in the AARGM program has demonstrated high potential to solve the problem of target radar ``shut-down'' not only for HARM, the primary SEAD weapon, but also for application in other missile airframes. The committee notes the progress made in the program and the delivery of advanced ARRGM seeker hardware for development test and evaluation at the Naval Air Weapons Center, China Lake, California. The committee also notes the application of AARGM technology being considered in the Quick Bolt advanced concept technology demonstration. The committee recommends a $26.4 million in PE 25601N, an increase of $5.0 million to continue risk reduction, test, and other field activities to prepare for a potential Milestone II decision to enter engineering and manufacturing development. The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to report to the congressional defense committees on the results of the developmental testing of the ARRGM seeker and the Navy's plans for further development of the AARGM with the submission of the fiscal year 2002 budget request. Advanced deployable system The budget request contained $20.7 million in PE 64784N for the advanced deployable system (ADS). The ADS is a surveillance system for use in littoral waters and restricted waterways that can be rapidly deployed in time of crisis to provide a submarine detection and tracking capability to U.S. Naval forces. The committee notes the ADS program is transitioning to the engineering and manufacturing development phase and has consistently met or exceeded schedule and cost milestones. The committee supports leveraging the early success of the ADS program by accelerating the development of enhanced capabilities for the system. Accordingly, the committee recommends $30.7 million in PE 64784N, an increase of $10.0 million, for the ADS to accelerate the development of advanced, long-life sensors for trip-wire arrays, increased mine detection capabilities, and enhanced automation. Advanced technology demonstrations and fleet battle experiments The budget request contained $76.3 million in PE 63792N for the Navy's advanced technology transition program to demonstrate technologies that could significantly improve the warfighting capabilities of the fleet and joint forces and provide the opportunity to identify and move emerging technologies quickly and efficiently from the laboratory to the fleet. The committee notes the role of the Navy Warfare Development Command in developing Navy operational concepts and doctrine, identifying required operational capabilities, focusing research and development issues, maturing innovative concepts in naval, joint, and coalition warfare for evaluation in fleet battle experiments, and designing, planning, and evaluating the experiments. The committee is aware that fleet battle experiments have provided a test bed for validation of Navy doctrine and operational concepts, assessment of innovative technologies and concepts, and identification of some of the operational, tactical, and technical challenges that will be faced by the fleet in the future. The committee also notes the role that the Navy's science and technology program performs by focusing on the long-term objective of enabling future naval capabilities, science and technology developments that are critical to ensuring naval superiority, and the demonstration of affordable technology for transition to the fleet. The committee encourages the Office of Naval Research, the Navy Secretariat, and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to facilitate this strategy by ensuring a close working relationship between the Office of Naval Research, the Navy Warfare Development Command, and the numbered fleets. Elsewhere in this report the committee notes the Navy's progress in concept evaluation of a littoral warfare fast patrol craft and the significant advances in logistics support, surveillance, communications and fire support that such a craft could provide for naval forces in littoral environments, and recommends increased funding for prototype craft that would permit demonstration of the operational concept in fleet battle experiments and other exercises. The committee notes recommendations from the Defense Science Board for improvements in tactical mobility and intratheater lift and recommendations for demonstration of high speed, fast shuttle sealift and advanced amphibious capabilities for movement of forces and logistical support within the theater and of other capabilities in future fleet battle experiments. The committee encourages the Navy to support such activities from available funds. Advanced waterjet propulsor The budget request contained $244.4 million for in PE 63513N for shipboard systems component development, but included no funds for advanced water jet technology. The committee report on H. R. 1401 (H. Rept. 106 162) noted proposals for a quarter-scale at-sea demonstration and cavitation tunnel testing of an advanced waterjet propulsor (AWJ 21) to validate critical performance criteria and potential application of the propulsor to the DD 21 land attack destroyer or other naval ships. The report urged the Secretary of the Navy to assess the requirement for further development, demonstration, and evaluation of advanced waterjet propulsor technology and to provide recommendations regarding the demonstration, a program execution plan, and Navy funding for the program. On December 1, 1999, the Secretary reported that the Navy's AWJ 21 technology demonstration plan had developed hydrodynamic performance prediction and critical performance measurement capabilities for advanced waterjet concepts, and that the knowledge and capability generated will be provided to both DD 21 industry teams determining the suitability of the AWJ 21 for use on DD 21. The report stated that a separate Navy-funded advanced waterjet development and large-scale demonstration program would be inappropriate because it could be viewed as Government endorsement of a specific propulsor solution and subverting the DD 21 acquisition strategy (in which the industry team is given full responsibility for recommending a total ship design for the DD 21). The report stated further that development of the AWJ 21 system by the DD 21 program is dependent upon a decision by the winning DD 21 industry team to include the AWJ 21 propulsion concept in their design. The report concluded that there is currently no Navy operational requirement that requires the use of an advanced waterjet propulsor and recommended no further development of advanced waterjet technology at this time. Accordingly, the committee encourages the Navy to ensure that advanced water jet technology is given all appropriate consideration. Aircraft survivability study The budget request contained $7.5 million in PE 63216N for aircraft survivability demonstration and validation. The committee is aware that the population of aircrew and passengers permitted on board military aircraft includes both female and male personnel, and is concerned about the ability of crash protective seating systems to provide adequate protection to occupants of lighter weight and smaller stature. The committee recommends an increase of $500,000 in PE 63216N to determine and assess the potential for increased injury risk to female operators and passengers in the Navy's helicopter fleet. Aviation depot maintenance technology The budget request contained $62.2 million in PE 63721N for environmental protection. The committee notes that new environmentally friendly repair processes are being developed that offer significant productivity improvements and potential cost savings. To this end, Congress provided increased funding in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 for the development and demonstration of aviation depot maintenance technologies that will significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs and reduce or eliminate hazardous waste and pollution products. The committees recommends $63.9 million in PE 63721N, an increase of $1.75 million to continue the program for demonstration of advanced maintenance technologies for application of tungsten carbide coatings to aircraft landing gear and hydraulic components. Aviation modernization plan The committee notes recent reports that the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations is considering a major revision of naval aviation plans which would remove aircraft from inventory, cancel future aircraft systems concepts, and reconfigure the carrier air wing in order to develop an affordable modernization plan for naval aviation. The reports indicate that the recommendations contained in the ``Common Vision for Naval Aviation'' would be implemented beginning with the Navy's budget request for fiscal year 2002. The committee understands that the following alternatives are being considered: (1) Replacement of the EA 6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft by 2010 with an electronic warfare aircraft follow-on; (2) Retirement of the F 14 Tomcat strike-fighter aircraft by 2008; (3) Service life extension of the C 2 Grayhound Tracker carrier onboard delivery aircraft; (4) Retirement of the S 3B Viking antisubmarine warfare aircraft by 2008 and its mission replacement by a combination of P 3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and SH 60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopter; (5) Replacement of the S 3B Viking in its tanker role by F/A 18E/F fighter aircraft with a aircraft refueling capability; (6) Service life extension of the P 3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft; (7) Service life extension of the EP 3E Aries electronic surveillance aircraft; (8) Cancellation of the concept of a common support aircraft that would combine the mission of the E 2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft with the missions of the S 3 Viking and C 2 Greyhound aircraft; (9) Delay introduction of a multi-mission maritime aircraft to replace the P 3C Orion and EP 3E Aries to no later than 2015; and (10) Reduction of the number of strike aircraft in a carrier air wing from 56 to 50. The committee commends the Navy for its initiative in developing a long-term plan for naval aviation that attempts to meet the challenges of affordability and effectiveness in a budget constrained environment. The committee recognizes the issues of current and future operational requirements, current force capabilities, personnel, training, research and development, procurement, logistics, and estimated funding available that must be considered in developing such a plan. The committee notes that the Navy's plan is not complete and was not available during the committee's review of the budget request. The committee urges the Secretary of the Navy to provide information on the Navy's revised aviation modernization plan to the congressional defense committees at the earliest opportunity to ensure adequate opportunity for oversight review of this important initiative prior to receipt of the budget request for fiscal year 2002. Battle force tactical trainer (BFTT) The budget request contained $27.1 million in PE 24571N for consolidated training systems development, including $4.1 million for development of the surface tactical team trainer (Battle Force Tactical Training program). The committee notes that the BFTT system provides the Navy with an effective embedded training capability on many of the Navy's surface ships, permitting realistic unit level team training and coordinated training among ships in port, and providing commanders the ability to conduct coordinated realistic, high stress, combat system training when afloat. The Navy is converting BFTT to a Windows NT TM personal computer (PC)-based environment that will extend the BFTT simulation to shore-based facilities at the training commands to provide more realistic combat system team and individual training at these facilities, as well as providing the opportunity for expansion and upgrade of the capabilities of the BFTT system. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 24571N to accelerate the conversion and upgrade of the BFTT system to a Windows NT TM/PC-based environment. Beartrap The budget request contained $19.7 million in PE 63254N for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems development, including $5.3 million for Project Beartrap. The budget request for Beartrap supports hardware and software development for the rapid prototyping of advanced capability acoustic and non-acoustic ASW sensors, as well as data collection and analysis for threat assessment and environmental characterization. The committee notes the progress being made in the evaluation and development of the phenomena of nonlinear dynamics and stochastic resonance (NDSR) for acoustic, magnetic, and other ASW sensor and signal processing applications. The committee also notes the Navy's progress in developing a comprehensive and focused strategy for acoustic, and non-acoustic environmental data collection, analysis and dissemination, and plans for continued implementation of the strategy to meet the Navy's needs in environmental data bases, modeling for new systems research and development, and environmental inputs to tactical decision aids. The committee recommends $24.7 million in PE 63254N, an increase of $5.0 million for Project Beartrap to continue the development, demonstration, and evaluation of NDSR technology for ASW applications and to continue the Beartrap environmental characterization program. C 2 eight-blade composite propeller system The budget request contained $51.0 million in PE 25633N for improvements in operational Navy aviation and aviation support systems. The committee notes that the Navy is seeking solutions to operational limitations encountered with the propeller system used on E 2C and C 2A aircraft. The current propeller system incorporates technology developed in the 1950s and the 1960s, is difficult and expensive to maintain, and is no longer in production. The committee report on H.R. 1119 (H. Rept. 105 132) directed the initiation of development and demonstration of an eight-blade composite propeller for E 2C and C 2A aircraft. The Navy subsequently began a program for design, development, test, and production of the propeller system. The committee notes that the program includes flight and ground test of the new propeller system for the E 2 aircraft, but includes only ground tests for the new propeller on the C 2 aircraft. The committee recommends $57.0 million in PE 25633N, an increase of $6.0 million to flight test the new propeller system on the C 2 aircraft sequentially with the E 2 flight test program. Common command and decision system The budget request contained $119.3 million in PE 63658N for continued development of the Navy's cooperative engagement capability (CEC), and $33.0 million in PE 63582N for combat systems integration demonstration and validation, including $8.7 million for common command and decision systems development. The committee notes the Navy's progress in resolving interoperability issues between CEC and Navy ship self-defense (SSD) combat systems and preparations for the CEC operational evaluation in May 2001. The committee anticipates that successful completion of the evaluation will provide the basis for widespread deployment of CEC to the fleet and for joint purposes as well. The committee also notes that the Navy initiated engineering studies in fiscal year 1999 for a common command and decision (CC&D) system that would be a preplanned product improvement (P3I) to the Aegis weapons systems and the Mark 2 ship self defense system and would replace the command and decision capability presently in these systems with a common computer architecture. Such an architecture would reduce future combat systems life-cycle costs, enable the fielding of new or modified combat systems capabilities more quickly and at a lower cost, enhance system interoperability, and eliminate the redundant, conflicting processing that is inherent in these systems. The Navy has stated that the CC&D is a critical step toward resolving long-term interoperability problems. Congress provided an increase of $30.0 million for the program in fiscal year 2000. The Navy's program plan includes $91.2 million in addition to this year's request through fiscal year 2005. The Navy has projected a notional program schedule that would begin engineering and manufacturing development in March 2002 and achieve initial operational capability for the CC&D system in September 2008. The committee notes that the Chief of Naval Operations has identified a $43 million unfunded requirement to accelerate the ability to begin engineering and manufacturing development by one year. The committee supports the CC&D system program objectives that have been identified by the Navy. The committee notes that the CC&D development program is at an early stage, the program schedule is notional, and operational requirements are being refined. The committee also notes Navy plans to evaluate a proposed new approach to cooperative engagement capability data processing and transmission (the Tactical Component Network (TCN)), which could conserve CEC communications bandwidth and provide for a wider, more efficient CEC network. The committee encourages the Navy to seek technology insertion opportunities that will improve the interoperability of Navy combat systems and CEC's capabilities for naval and joint forces and to provide the required funding as a part of the Navy's core budget program. The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to report to the congressional defense committees on the Navy's program plan and funding for the CC&D P3I program and for insertion of advanced technology in the CEC/SSD integrated combat system with the submission of the fiscal year 2002 budget request. The committee recommends $119.3 million in PE 63658N for continued development of the Navy's CEC and $33.0 million in PE 63582N to continue combat systems integration demonstration and validation. Common towed array The budget request contained $113.3 million in PE 63561N for advanced submarine systems development, including $4.5 million for the development of advanced towed array technology for submarines and surface ships. The committee notes the Navy's operational requirement for improvements in critical undersea warfare combat systems technologies needed in the littoral regions of the world. The committee also notes that the Navy's advanced towed array technology program is making considerable progress in developing multiple-line and fiber optic affordable towed array technology that could result in high gain, volumetric towed arrays with significantly improved performance for submarine and surface ship sonar systems The committee recommends $123.5 million in PE 63561N, an increase of $10.2 million to accelerate the development and demonstration of advanced towed array systems for surface ship and submarine anti-submarine warfare tactical and strategic surveillance. Composite advanced sail development