[varon]

The Department of Defense (news - web sites) also is working on the technology, which it's eyeing for use in bombers that quickly could reach targets anywhere on the globe.

To work, the engine must be traveling at about five times the speed of sound — requiring an initial boost that only a rocket can provide.

Now that would be a sight to behold, a rocket boosting a bomber to five times the speed of sound and then have the scram jet kick in.
Wander if they would launch from Cape Canaveral or Vandenberg AFB?

Another question that comes to mind is why not fire the rocket at the target in the first place???

[eno_]

Another question that comes to mind is why not fire the rocket at the target in the first place???

The Cold War doctrine was a "three legged" force: ICBMs, SLBMs, and bombers. The idea is that if one leg is cut due to an unexpected technology advance by our enemies, we can still respond in other ways.

Otherwise it does seem redundant in that any point on Earth is reachable by U.S.-based ICBMs in under an hour.

[Centurion2000]

Another question that comes to mind is why not fire the rocket at the target in the first place???

ICBMs cannot be recalled.

[SauronOfMordor]

Another question that comes to mind is why not fire the rocket at the target in the first place???

A manned scramjet bomber could be launched on warning, and told to abort the mission if it turns out to be a false alarm, but could toss nukes at an enemy from well out of range of anti-aircraft missiles, and have the bombs scream in as fast as an incoming ICBM warhead