Procurement, after declining in FY10 from FY09, includes a significant increase—even surpassing the FY09 level. Including overseas contingency operations funding, the FY11 request is for $2.15 billion. Procurement programs that are expected to see funding increases ($20 million or more) include: SOF Intelligence Systems (+$125.7 million); MILCON Collateral (+$95.7 million); MH-47 SLEP (+$54.9 million); SOF Ordnance Replenishment (+$46.5 million); Combat Mission Requirements (+$30 million); SOF Ordnance Acquisition (+$29.2 million); MH-60 SOF Modernization (+$28.5 million); and CV-22 Modifications (+$20 million). Despite overall increases, there are a number of programs that see noticeable declines, including: C-130 Modifications (-$56.4 million); SOF Tactical Radio Systems (-$23.1 million); SOF Visual Augmentation, Lasers & Sensors (-$17.4 million); Small Arms & Weapons (-$15 million); and STUASLO UAV (-$12.1 million).

Research and development continues a sharp decline from $502 million in FY09 to a projected $351 million in FY11. Programs seeing declines ($5 million or more) include: Special Operations Advanced Technology (-$25.9 million); Joint Multi Mission Submersible (-$18.4 million); Special Applications for Contingencies (-$11.1 million); SOF Visual Augmentation, Lasers & Sensors (-$8.5 million); Special Operations Intel Systems ($7.9 million); SOF Surface Craft (-$7 million); Distributed Common Ground Systems (-$6.4 million); SOF PSYOP (-$5.6 million); and Special Operations Tactical Systems (-$5.2 million). The increases were few, and minor at that. Increases of $1 million or more include: CV-22 (+$1.8 million); Classified Programs (+$1.8 million); MC-130J Tanker Recap (+$1.7 million); and SOF Communications Equipment (+$1.2 million).

The operations and maintenance request is for just over $3.9 billion. U.S. SOF are the best at what they do—and they are being asked to do more daily. The funding has to follow and keep pace with need in the field today, and must meet and stay ahead of the emerging threats.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.