For over fifty years, the DoD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program has been the Department's Investment mechanism for staying at the forefront of defense-essential manufacturing capability. In the 20th century, when the threat was highly predictable and the U.S. defense industrial base was largely self contained, ManTech helped keep the nation positioned to produce the best military systems in the world. In the 21st century, DoD faces new threats, the industrial base is globally networked, and the definition of "best" must increasingly consider affordability. These are the new demands placed on defense manufacturing, and they are shaping the future role of ManTech. This book examines the ManTech strategy for keeping DoD positioned to enhance and use 21st century manufacturing capabilities to address the growing challenges of weapon system affordability and timely delivery to the warfighter, and for enhancing U.S. global manufacturing competitiveness.
