Acquisition reform.

• Author: Baker, Ronald L.
• Position: READERS'FORUM - Letter to the editor

* Sandra Erwin's January 2010 editorial, "Acquisition Reform Act: The Backlash Has Begun," highlights a never-ending problem. As pointed out in the article, we have had more than 126 blue ribbon studies on how to reform the acquisition process.

During my 30-year military acquisition career, I either sat on several panels, or provided support in the implementation of various initiatives to improve the acquisition process. Back in the 1980s, Deputy Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci had his initiatives. While informative, they brought attention to the need to get our acquisition personnel trained and certified at various levels in acquisition. At the time, the Defense Systems Management College (DSMC), was charged to get his initiatives taught to all the military services and defense contractors' personnel.

Each administration has sought ways in which to improve the way we purchase weapon systems. Each piece of legislation generates more manpower to implement and monitor the compliance of these enacted laws. Moreover, each military service has additional...