Coast guard's innovative spirit needed by all.

• Author: Farrell, Jr., Lawrence P.
• Position: PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

Innovation is one of those great leadership challenges that is not easy to define but is obviously a necessity of every successful organization. That brings me to the Coast Guard's just concluded technology exhibition in New Orleans, where the theme of innovation not only applied to the maritime systems on display but also more broadly to the current debate about the future of our nation's security.

Like the larger military services, the Coast Guard is very much focused on technological improvements and the revitalization of its aging equipment, despite ongoing challenges in its Deepwater modernization program. But the Coast Guard, maybe more than other military organizations, has recognized the need to couple the advances in technology with non-material improvements that result in better value for the taxpayer dollar. One of the highlights of the event was a candid government-industry exchange hosted by Commandant Adm. Thad Allen.

The message to industry and government attendees at the conference was clear: a culture of innovation is key not only to the Coast Guard's ability to carry out its mission but also to the broader challenges facing the United States.

The Honorable Jay Cohen, the Department of Homeland Security's undersecretary for science and technology, outlined the agency's ambitious goals--rapid development of "game changing" technologies for maritime and cargo security, counter shoulder-fired missiles, persistent surveillance, storm surge mitigation, levee strengthening and repairs, countering improvised explosive devices and assisting first responders.

Cohen's enthusiasm about the power of technology to change the world also is a reminder that there is never enough money and resources to address every possible challenge.

This is where innovation truly becomes a necessity, especially as the nation confronts what could be a dire financial future.

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That sobering economic forecast came from the Honorable David Walker, comptroller general of the United States, who addressed the 700 attendees at the conference.

Walker's eye-opening presentation should be a mandatory briefing for every American citizen, and especially for the leaders of our defense and security industries.

His message is not at all difficult to comprehend--the U.S. government is heading for a financial collapse unless it can figure out how to fund ballooning obligations in entitlement programs. This situation going forward will affect every...