AAU commends the continuing efforts of the Secretary of Defense to emphasize peer-reviewed basic research, particularly his multi-year basic research initiative, which is consistent with recommendations made by the National Academies’ report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm. The Secretary’s initiative calls for an increase in Defense 6.1 basic research of $1 billion over five years, FY09-13. AAU also supports added funding for 6.2 applied research and other Defense science and technology (S&T) programs.