Considering an expanding pool of STEM talent, the National Research Council and the National Academy of Engineering outline unconventional strategies for attracting, recruiting and retaining high-caliber scientists and technical staff toThe Department of Defense (DOD). With many of the Nation’s best young scientists enticed to industry through competitive wages and exciting projects, this report recommends that DOD offer new training models, higher salaries, increased freedom for scientist innovation and wider views on international talent pools, which proves controversial.