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ICBM Modernization: Minuteman III Guidance Replacement Program Has Not Been Adequately Justified

NSIAD-93-181 Published: Jun 25, 1993. Publicly Released: Jun 25, 1993.
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Highlights

GAO assessed the adequacy of the Air Force's plans for sustaining an operationally effective Minuteman III weapon system through 2020, focusing on the status of the guidance replacement program.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress may wish to consider either not appropriating fiscal year 1994 funds for engineering and manufacturing development of the guidance electronics replacement program or limiting the Air Force's authority to obligate appropriations for the program until studies and analyses have been completed that support the need to proceed with that effort.
Closed – Implemented
Congress has fully funded the program.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of the Air Force The Secretary of the Air Force should delay a decision to begin engineering and manufacturing development of the Minuteman III guidance electronics replacement program until sufficient analytical evidence has been developed to clearly demonstrate that the start of that effort is justified.
Closed – Not Implemented
Congress has concurred with DOD plans for proceeding with the Guidance Replacement Program, as evidenced by its decision to fully fund the program.

Full Report

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Topics

Weapons systemsAir Force procurementCombat readinessCost effectiveness analysisDefense contingency planningElectronic equipmentIntercontinental ballistic missilesMilitary appropriationsNational defense operationsMilitary forces