OFFICE OF NET ASSESSMENT.

SEC. 904. [10 U.S.C. 113 note] OFFICE OF NET ASSESSMENT. (a) Independent Office Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain an independent organization within the Department of Defense to develop and coordinate net assessments of the standing, trends, and future prospects of the military capabilities and potential of the United States in comparison with the military capabilities and potential of other countries or groups of countries, so as to identify emerging or future threats or opportunities for the United States. (b) Direct Report to the Secretary of Defense.—The head of the office established and maintained pursuant to subsection (a) shall report directly to the Secretary of Defense without intervening authority and may communicate views on matters within the responsibility of the office directly to the Secretary without obtaining the approval or concurrence of any other official within the Department of Defense.