This paper reviews moving mechanical assembly (MMA) and component technology shortfalls imposed by demanding ground, naval and aerospace system requirements of the future. The tribology development needs for specific harsh environment applications such as high temperature engines, chemical reactant turbopumps, precision acquisition, tracking and pointing MMAs surveillance systems and laser communications components are identified. Development goals for lightweight bearing and gear alloys and ceramics, ultra low friction and wide temperature range solid lubricants, self lubricating composites and real time health monitoring devices are translated into a rationale for mechanistic, more fundamental research approaches.