The multi-mission maritime aircraft and maritime patrol and reconnaissance force transformation

Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom have proven that conflicts facing our military forces today and in the future will be much different than those faced in the past. Consequently, transforming our military into a leaner, more flexible, high-tech force is imperative to ensure that the United States maintains a superior military advantage and is never outflanked by lesser-equipped opponents using new technologies and concepts of operation. This transformation involves not only the injection of new technologies, but also a greater integration of the services and a retooling of the acquisition process to encourage innovation and reduce the time to field new weapons systems. To facilitate transition and integration of the services into a fighting force capable of meeting 21st century challenges, the Secretary of Defense's Defense Planning Guidance for FY2004-2009 directed the services to develop Transformational Roadmaps. The Navy's Roadmap embodies concepts that are truly unique to the Navy-Marine Corps team and includes both the capabilities and processes that will guide these transformational efforts.