Naval research into the new millennium - Pitfalls, challenges, and opportunities

Naval research will be critical in meeting the challenges of the new millennium. Pitfalls in the process exist. This article discusses how modeling and simulation can lead to incorrect conclusions and how over-reliance on inclusion of commercial off-the-shelf produces may not yield what is really needed. The idea that Information Technology may not be the answer to every need, and can actually cause problems, is also discussed. Research opportunities are addressed. The article reviews the issue of whether the new paradigm of a single corporate entity defining a new generation of ships will necessarily bring into the picture research and technology concepts that may derive from a broader team approach.