There appears to be only one significant reorganization of USSOCOM line items between FY09 and FY10. The unmanned vehicles line item, which received about $55.4 million in FY09, receives nothing in FY10. However, new line items for the MQ-1, MQ-9 and the STUAS receive a combined total of about $35.8 million in base funding and an additional $12.5 million in OCO funds.

Several aviation programs see fairly dramatic growth between FY09 and FY10. For example, nonstandard aviation goes from $39 million (acquiring six platforms) to more than $227 million (for nine aircraft), MH-60 SOF modernization goes from $98 million to $147 million, rotary wing upgrades and sustainment goes from $89 million to $102 million, and C-130 goes from $50 million to about $79 million. For aviation programs that take a hit, CV-22 SOF mods goes from $162 million in FY09 to $114 million in FY10 and NH-47 service life extension program goes from $63 million to $28 million.

Programs seeing more than a $20 million increase from FY09 to FY10 include: SOF ordnance acquisition ($32 million); SOF intelligence systems ($32 million); tactical vehicles ($21 million); and SOF tactical radio systems ($35 million). Programs losing more than $20 million for that same period include: communications equipment and electronics ($20 million); SOF operational enhancements intelligence ($22 million), SOF soldier protection and survival systems ($34 million); and SOF operational enhancements ($35 million).

Next issue we will take a similar quick glance at the RDT&E budget.

All the best. 

Jeffrey D. McKaughan    Editor-In-Chief 301.670.5700 x130 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it