Pentagon Physics

The Department of Defense (DoD) leverages strategic analysis to assess tradeoffs in the balance between three major national security factors: preparation for today (readiness), investment in the future (innovation), and sizing the military (force structure). Although this balance may shift toward one factor or another over time, physics will always be a powerful catalyst of innovation that is critical for long-term U.S. military preeminence. We will focus on DoD-funded quantum, materials, and electronics research for innovative national security applications at defense laboratories, academic institutions, and industrial firms. The Pentagon's innovation strategy comes down to managing risks and seizing opportunities across this complex innovation ecosystem within a defense budget that is linked to national defense strategy.