Battlefield Automation: Army's Digital Battlefield Plan Lacks Specific Measurable Goals

As stated in its comments to the report, DOD recognized the challenges and risks associated with the digitization effort and has increased its oversight to ensure that an assessment of each Advanced Warfighting Experiment supports future decisions. As part of the increased oversight, the ADO Director is submitting quarterly updates to the ASD C3. The Army will implement the GAO recommendations as determined appropriate and continue with risk mitigation efforts. DOD maintains that the experimental approach is the best approach as a cost-effective method and as a process to lessen the operational risk of downsizing the Army through the rapid acquisition of highly effective systems to enhance combat power.

In commenting on the GAO report findings, DOD recognized that there was a funding issue that must be addressed and stated that it was working with each of the Services to resolve the shortfall. It went on to state, though, that the Army's digitized battlefield was not a Joint Program and, thus, did not include funding for other services' participation. In closing its response to this recommendation, DOD did comment that, though, that it would make every effort to identify near term funding to assure the level of participation desired by the Marine Corps.