ABSTRACT
Defense acquisition has to do with how a nation obtains capabilities such as weapons and support systems for its military operations. Interest in acquisition has increased because of the large amount of public resources it consumes and because of its problems that seem impervious to reform. Acquisition is distinguished from other defense-related activities such as supply, logistics, and procurement, as well as from human-resource activities such as recruiting. Acquisition may be understood as occurring in several different contexts, including the military, technological, managerial, and political contexts, as well as from an open systems perspective. Acquisition is characterized by a number of unique features and issues that mark it as an important activity in public administration, as well as a compelling topic of public policy. It is best understood as an essentially political activity, which helps explain why acquisition reform remains problematical.
