1. AN EMPHASIS ON UNMANNED SYSTEMS

As research, development, test, acquisition and evaluation (RDTA&E) of unmanned systems experiences increased attention by the Department of Defense (DoD), elements within the acquisition community are responding by mapping out changes to management systems, including fundamental policy shifts, to support the expanding role of robots on the battlefield. Unmanned systems – air, land, and sea – are increasing in complexity and capability such that their use is becoming pervasive in mission areas such as explosives ordnance disposal and aerial surveillance. This paper reviews the state of unmanned systems RDTA&E within the context of Defense Acquisition, highlighting existing and emerging public policy, relevant acquisition reform, the resulting organizational adaptations, and the success with which one enterprise has brought together the sometimes competing values found within the major elements of the larger acquisition system