Chemistry Downgraded in Defense Decision: Absence of representation at the deputy director level bodes weakness in research and development

A n important shift is taking place in the management of the Defense Department's research and development program. Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering (Engineering and Chemistry), Dr. James H. Gardner, is returning to private industry. His successor, a prominent physicist, comes from the aerospace industry. With Dr. Gardner will go chemistry's direct voice in decision making at the high levels of defense research and engineering. The highest chemically trained spokesman now will be at the assistant director level. Dr. Gardner is leaving able appointees there who have proved their efficacy. But their views now must enter the decision-making apparatus without the support of a chemical and private industry background at the deputy director level. It should be noted that all of the department's deputy directors now will be "defense industry" men as contrasted with men having experience in "civilian industry" with its atmosphere different in economic limits and competition. ...