that these can help the Space Force develop acquisition doctrine as well as re-emphasize the importance of acquisitions as a warfighting spacepower discipline. The third paper is “The ‘Shrinking’ Defense Industrial Base: A Survey of Former DoD Prime Contractors” by Edward Hyatt and Lloyd E. Everhart. As the title implies, in recent years, the defense industrial base has diminished in terms of number of contractors and companies, which in turn may have adverse effects on America’s warfighting capabilities. The authors empirically examined this issue by conducting a survey of contractors who exited the defense industrial base between Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 and FY 2022, to determine why they left. Many of the respondents (generally smaller businesses) cited unfavorable characteristics, including payment difficulties and contracting hurdles, as reasons for departure. These results demonstrate where the DoD can influence acquisition policy and processes to improve the health of its critical supplier base. This issue’s Current Research Resources (courtesy of the DAU Virtual Research Library) focus on “China as a Strategic Opponent in Great Power Competition”. The Defense Acquisition Reading List features the following book reviews: • The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High- tech Warfare by Christian Brose, reviewed by Christopher McGowan. • The Touchstones of Leadership, A Comprehensive Guide for Business Leaders by Joseph Carleone, reviewed by Chris D’Ascenzo. Robert "Bobby" Ralston has left the Editorial Board. We thank him for his devoted service.
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