Joint Military Deception Initiative

The Joint Military Deception Initiative is a program element within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 7: Operational Systems Development. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the resiliency of air bases through advanced research and development efforts. The program is designed to upgrade existing systems that have already been fielded or approved for full-rate production, with the anticipation of future production funding. The goal is to ensure that air bases remain operational and secure in the face of evolving threats, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic planning.

A key component of the Joint Military Deception Initiative is the Air Base Resiliency project. The specific goals and objectives of this project remain classified, but budget documentation indicates a focus on developing and implementing measures to protect critical air base infrastructure. This includes both procurement and research activities aimed at mitigating risks from adversarial actions, natural disasters, and other potential disruptions. The program supports the Air Force's broader mission of maintaining readiness and operational capability in contested environments.

Funding for the Air Base Resiliency project is allocated across several fiscal years. The decrease in funding in later years reflects the completion of current resiliency efforts and a transition to sustainment or follow-on activities. The budget also notes that detailed information about the project is classified and will only be provided in appropriate forums on a need-to-know basis, underscoring the sensitive nature of the work being conducted.

The project involves collaboration with multiple agencies and research organizations, including the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These partners contribute to both product development and strategic asset procurement, supporting the technical and operational objectives of the Air Base Resiliency initiative. Contract methods include Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests and other acquisition strategies, which are still being assessed to ensure optimal delivery of capabilities.

In addition to research and procurement, the program includes funding for management services and logistical support. Program management administration is handled by Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, with allocations for oversight and coordination activities. Shipping and storage costs are also budgeted to ensure that developed solutions and equipment can be efficiently deployed and maintained at operational air bases.

Civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability are also included in the program element, supplementing other budgeted civilian pay expenses across related program elements. This ensures that the necessary workforce is in place to support the technical and administrative demands of the initiative. No civilian pay expenses were expended in recent fiscal years within this specific program element.