ABSTRACT
An ingredient in the cement that holds the “iron triangle” together is social. Defense policy-makers and personnel from the industry spend a fair amount of time together. Their social relations have raised controversial issues about the risk of favoritism, improper influence, and possible corruption. Contractors have in the past provided regular entertainment for customer personnel in the Defense Department and NASA, consisting of casual business lunches and golf dates, banquets, free air travel, and tickets to sporting and cultural events. The Federal Government and the Department of Defense have long-standing directives designed to limit the impact of contractor entertainment. Public disclosure and stronger enforcement apparently has had a somewhat dampening effect on corporate practices. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Association of Old Crows, which promotes Government spending for electronic warfare equipment, had cancelled its annual golf tournament.
