A recent report- Assuring the U.S. Department of Defense a Strong Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce – released by the National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council concludes that the ability of the nation’s military to prevail during future conflicts, and fulfill missions, humanitarian and other; depends on a robust and advancing STEM capability.

But in actuality, the STEM activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) are a small and diminishing part of the nation’s overall science and engineering enterprise.

The report also cited that uncertainties regarding future threats and the military requirements, as well as the unpredictable nature of future technological advancements, were an impediment to progress in the fields of science and technology. According to the report, DOD has historically “been abysmal at best” at predicting the number of engineers and scientist necessary to work in national security.

One of the major reasons for the shortage is the issue of security policies and restrictions.  Due to current restrictions and security clearance requirements and conditions, DOD is often unable to access the most talented and valuable STEM professionals globally.

In order to drastically increase the number of STEM professionals, there is currently a call for the re-examination of the need for security clearances in select positions in order to permit non-U.S. Citizens to enter portions of the talent pool. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the H-1B visa system should be modified to provide the DOD with substantially more talent in the area of cyber security and other technologically-focused areas of expertise.

“It’s virtually impossible to forecast the STEM skills and number of individuals possessing those skills that will be needed by DOD beyond the near term because of the increasing rates of advancement in science and technology and the geopolitical uncertainties affecting DOD demands,” said Norman Augustine, retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. and committee co-chair. “The fundamental issue, therefore, is maintaining the necessary quality, agility, and skills mix. It is critical to include workers at the forefront of emerging, potentially critical technical areas, as well as those capable of redirecting their careers into these new areas."

Diana M. Rodriguez is a native Washingtonian who currently works as a professional writer, blogger, social media expert, commentator, editor and public affairs practitioner. Diana previously worked as an editor and senior communications analyst for the Department of Defense.

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Diana M. Rodriguez is a native Washingtonian who works as a professional freelance writer, commentator, and blogger; as well as a public affairs, website content and social media manager for the Department of Defense.