Marines Are Climbing Out of the "Research and Development Bathtub".

• Author: Willingham, Stephen
• Position: Brief Article - Interview

During the 1990s, shrinking defense budgets didn't allow for extensive modernization of weapons systems and other related equipment. This created a budgetary "bathtub," said Brig. Gen. John R. Thomas, assistant chief of staff for programs and resources.

A "bathtub" occurs when there is a sustained draw-down in funding, such the one that the U.S. military services experienced during both the Bush and Clinton administrations.

Even with funding increases in the last two budget cycles, it...