To paraphrase a great American, this month marks my final roll
call with NDIA and our many wonderful members. After 14 years of
service to NDIA, and ADPA before it, the time has come for a new
leader to pick up the reins and continue the association’s
forward momentum.
During my tenure, we have evolved from being a small organization,
primarily focused on the Army (our ADPA and Ordnance Corps heritage)
to a broad association—with involvement by all the military
services, as well as the Defense Department and several Executive
Branch agencies. Throughout, we have maintained our focus on the
industrial base and our role of advocating its importance to the
nation.
The industrial base—and the challenges it presents—continues
to change dramatically as a result of the globalization of the world’s
economies and the advancements in military technologies. Nevertheless,
NDIA is well positioned to address these challenges, because of
the unique nature of our structure—working with all the services,
covering all industry sectors, and with a membership that represents
both government and industry.
NDIA’s committees and chapters also are unique in that they
allow a wide range of defense technology and business communities,
spread throughout the United States, to do the things communities
need to do—to meet, to discuss and take positions on issues
and then to act upon them. The goal, ultimately, is to stress the
need to preserve and strengthen the defense industrial capacity
of the United States.
But even though NDIA is well situated to perform these roles, we
believe strongly that we have our work cut out for us.
A 15-year-long period of decline in defense research, development
and procurement spending continues to take its toll on the defense
industry. The fact of life is that patriotism alone is not enough
for the industry to make its payrolls or provide competitive returns
to investors. The result of the downturn has been a dramatic contraction
in the number of companies involved in defense.
If we were sure that the downturn had reached its low point, then
perhaps our concern might be lessened. Unfortunately, the administration
now seems to be having second thoughts about its priorities regarding
national defense. If the administration acts upon its reported intentions
to “skip generations of weapon systems,” (we seem to
have already done that), further reduce force structure, or terminate
major programs, the end result could be a further weakening of the
defense industrial base.
Any success we have had at NDIA has been the result of a truly
dedicated and industrious staff. As a non-profit association, we
attempt to work in a very lean mode—to conserve the resources
of our members. As a result, our staff becomes multi-faceted, very
quickly.
I would be remiss if I failed to recognize our wide network of
volunteers, who truly make the association. These volunteers include
our directors and trustees, who provide us guidance and direction.
Of special mention are the many committee and division members,
who truly are the engine of the organization.
It has been my great privilege to serve as the president of NDIA,
and ADPA before it. These 14 years have extended and expanded my
association with the services and a dynamic, innovative and resilient
U.S. defense industrial base. I believe that NDIA, representing
its member companies, serves our country in much the same way as
our uniformed services. And so, my privilege of serving NDIA is
a privilege I share with many of you—the privilege of serving
our country. We serve our country both in and out of uniform, in
military and civilian roles, and in both government and industry.
Unfortunately, those of us who accept this privilege of serving
our country are shrinking in numbers. And this presents a serious
challenge for our society and for our country.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president. You will
be well served by your new president.