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THE METRIC SYSTEM AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
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English
Abstract
The defense capability of the United States is so inextricably related to the capability of industry that any program which affects that capability is of direct interest to the Department of Defense. In the event that the metric system should be adopted throughout the United States, both industry and the Department of Defense would be confronted with certain problems. These problems might be classified into three general areas: (1) maintenance of an adequate production base throughout the period of conversion to metric units without restricting the ability of industry to expand production rapidly in the event of mobilization; (2) replacement of a huge inventory of repair parts at minimum expense and without impairment of logistics support; and (3) training of personnel to use and maintain equipment involving metric units of weights and measures. If the defense establishment is to maintain a high level of preparedness, a program to adopt the metric system of necessity must take into consideration this close relationship between the defense establishment and industry. The defense establishment, in itself, is not in a position to initiate or veto initiation of the metric system. It must adapt to decisions made in the interests of the national economy as a whole. Whatever merits or demerits attach to adoption of the metric system generally are also pertinent to the Department of Defense. However, once the metric system is adopted in any particular segment of industry, the Department of Defense can serve as an effective catalytic agent for its wide and expedited adoption. This role stems from the substantial magnitude of defense research, procurement and operations.
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Citation
RIORDAN, J. and BRZEZINSKI, C., "THE METRIC SYSTEM AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE," SAE Technical Paper 610215, 1961, https://doi.org/10.4271/610215.Also In
References
- Decimal Coinage and the Metric System - Should Britain Change? Joint Report of Committees appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Association of British Chambers of Commerce Butterworth, London 1960
- Report on a National Survey Randolph Hawthorne Transactions, Tenth National Conference on Standards, American Standards Association October 1959
- Use of Meter as Unit of Linear Measurement in United States Army Weapons Army Regulations, No. 700-75, Department of the Army Washington 25, D. C. 14 May 1957
- The Metric System at Eli Lilly and Company Ernsberger R. W. Transactions, Tenth National Conference on Standards, American Standards Association October 1959
- General Specification Policies Section 3, Standardization Manual M202A, Military Manual for Specifications Armed Forces Supply Support Center Washington 25, D. C.