An Unwise Cut from the SAC-D: VIRGINIA Payload Module in Trouble

A story here outlines opposition in the SAC-D to the Administration's plan to build the VIRGINIA Payload Module (VPM) into downstream versions of the world's best attack boat.  VPM would help soften the blow of the retirement of the SSGN's, in theory distributing the considerable number of land-attack launchers contained therein across a larger number of VIRGINIA boats.  Additionally, the adaptabilty of the VPM could lead to employment of weapons and sensors other than Tomahawk, to include other land-attack weapons, UUV's and other more highly classified uses.

VPM is an example of the wisdom of the CNO's "payloads, not platforms" appraoach to gaining capability increases.  This is a short-sighted mark by the sub-committee, and I urge lawmakers to reverse it as the FY13 budget process unfolds.

Bryan McGrath