96 Research and National Purpose 



weaponry and submarine and surface ship propulsion. New 

 rocket fuels and analytic mechanics have enabled the use of 

 earth satellites, space vehicles and related missile systems. 

 Chemotherapy, synthetic chemical pesticides and growth regu- 

 lators have permitted modification of human environment 

 and survival under a diversity of geographic and climatic con- 

 ditions. Solid state devices, including transistors, diodes, oxide 

 magnets, isolators, etc., have performed in these foregoing func- 

 tions and have particularly enabled the development of high 

 speed digital machines, leading to a new methodology of de- 

 fense and war management. Advances in metals and organic 

 materials have permeated our present weapons systems and 

 are especially evident in the design and construction of such 

 vehicles as the A- 12 class of aircraft, having new dimensions of 

 upper atmosphere maneuver and range. 



But there is a role of science in national 

 Effects of Basic security which underlies all of these 



Science on Strategy critical although specific discoveries and 

 of Systems applications. This has been rapidly 



Development growing in importance during the past 



two decades, but it is still at an early and 

 formative state. This new role is the part of the scientist, the 

 master of the particular, in systems engineering and systems 

 development, wherein the overall operation is so commonly 

 considered to be the prime province of the generalist. Here is 

 where the Department of Defense, guided by policies, and fore- 

 sighted men such as several in the Office of Naval Research, 

 recognized one of the historic benefits for our security and 

 strength. For what was actually sensed, wittingly or not, in the 

 bold Navy programs of supporting basic academic research by 

 a mission-oriented agency, was the fallacy of identifying specific 

 mission requirements in scientific and technical components 

 at an early stage of research. 



Rather, resources were provided for the support of individ- 

 ual faculty research, some institutional programs, and the 

 sophisticated education of students. Neither faculty nor stu- 



