It is the technology that puts a deep box behind the display-i.e. In contrast, there are several competing technologies that can be used to build what are called flat panel displays-those found in portable, briefcasesized computers. The most obvious difference between the two is the depth of the box behind the display screen. In addition, the Army needs lightweight displays to put in the hands or helmet of a dismounted soldier. In both cases, the military needs not only the flat panel display products, but the industrial capacity to tailor those products to the military application.
Military advantage lies in riding the technology curve.
This will only be assured if the industry that is riding the curve is available to work with the military and directly serve the warfighter's needs. It is this same ability to experiment with technology that is crucial to avoiding technological surprise. Collectively, the research capability of the country, whether in DoD laboratories, universities or in industry, needs to have the flexibility to react. This reaction can simply be the ability to repeat a reported experiment or act on a hint via an intelligence report that some scientific approach to a problem was found to be fruitful. To react overnight, a laboratory must already exist, be equipped, and be staffed with knowledgeable people in the requisite fields.