The DSB Task Force was asked to: ̂ Assess the proposed ignition and "non-ignition" high energy density experimental physics programs at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). ̂ Assess the program's executabitity, particularly with respect to the availability of NIF and supporting technologies. ̂ Assess the overall balance and priority of activities within the proposed plan and the degree to which the proposed program of NIF experiments supports the near- and long-term goats of stockpile stewardship. ̂ Assess the extent to which the major stakeholders in NIF are effectively integrated into the plan The National Ignition Facility and planned programs of high energy density work build on a 30-year program expanding understanding of astrophysics, weapons physics, and other scientific areas of interest. The NIF adds new regimes in pressure, temperature, and density that will, given success in achieving ignition, provide visibility into the physical phenomena at the heart of nuclear explosions, astrophysics, and other very high energy density plasmas. Hence the NIF capability to produce thermonuclear burn will provide the much-needed understanding of the most important remaining question in weapons physics.

Report objectives: (1) Assess the proposed ignition & non-ignitionÓ high energy density experimental physics programs at the NIF; Assess the program's executability, particularly with respect to the avail. of NIF & supporting technol.; (2) Assess the overall balance & priority of activities within the proposed plan & the degree to which the proposed program of NIF experiments supports the near- & long-term goals of stockpile stewardship; (3) Assess the extent to which the major stakeholders in NIF are effectively integrated into the plan. The NIF capability to produce thermodynamic burn will provide the understanding of the most important remaining question in weapons physics, & important questions in other sciences.

The DSB Task Force was asked to: * Assess the proposed ignition and "non-ignition" high energy density experimental physics programs at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). * Assess the program's executabitity, particularly with respect to the availability of NIF and supporting technologies. * Assess the overall balance and priority of activities within the proposed plan and the degree to which the proposed program of NIF experiments supports the near- and long-term goats of stockpile stewardship. * Assess the extent to which the major stakeholders in NIF are effectively integrated into the plan The National Ignition Facility and planned programs of high energy density work build on a 30-year program expanding understanding of astrophysics, weapons physics, and other scientific areas of interest. The NIF adds new regimes in pressure, temperature, and density that will, given success in achieving ignition, provide visibility into the physical phenomena at the heart of nuclear explosions, astrophysics, and other very high energy density plasmas. Hence the NIF capability to produce thermonuclear burn will provide the much-needed understanding of the most important remaining question in weapons physics.

In 200, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD(AT & L)) directed the Defense Science Board (DSB) to study the precision targeting of air-delivered munitions. The results of the 2001 Task Force were well-received within Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and in June 2003, USD(AT & L) directed the DSB to study the closely related topic of "integrated fire support in the battlespace." In this new study the 2003 Task Force applied an approach and methodology similar to the 2001 effort but focused instead on ground-based fires, sea-based fires, and close-air support. As directed in its terms of reference (TOR), the 2003 Task Force assessed the following: ̂ The adequacy of current and proposed munitions, ̂ The timeliness and accuracy of ISR systems, ̂ the adequacy of battlefield C(exp 3) systems, and ̂ Impediments to integrated fires. From October 2003 through April 2004, the Task Force met monthly to gather information.