The Pentagon's struggles with defense acquisition and budget management have been a persistent issue, but the situation is dire and demands immediate attention. The U.S. military's inability to modernize and adapt to the modern threat environment is a significant concern, and the consequences are far-reaching. The defense industry's consolidation has led to a slower, less innovative, and less accessible sector, with the Big Five defense contractors dominating the market. This has resulted in overbudget and delayed projects, with the U.S. lagging behind China in critical areas such as hypersonic weapons and autonomous technologies.
The defense acquisition process is broken, and Congress has a crucial role to play in fixing it. The current system is slow and inefficient, with defense contractors lacking commercial business and unable to incorporate the latest technologies. This has led to job losses and a lack of surge capacity. Congress must take a more aggressive approach, including antitrust actions and oversight, to address the roots of the problem. The introduction of legislation to review the organic industrial base and ban stock buybacks for underperforming contractors is a step in the right direction.
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a success story, but it needs to be scaled up. Congress should encourage the Pentagon to adopt more open systems architecture and streamline the acquisition process. The B-21 stealth bomber is an example of a successful collaboration between the Pentagon and smaller, more agile firms. Congress should mandate the use of open systems architecture for all major defense programs and encourage the use of rapid contracting authorities.
Congress can also help rightsize the Defense Department's budget by approving divestments and expediting funding for strategic initiatives. Legacy platforms and systems are becoming irrelevant and are holding back the military. Congress must work with service leaders to systematically review and cut these systems, and it should also cut wasteful projects that are overbudget and delayed. The Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program is an example of a costly and delayed project that should be reevaluated.
The defense budget needs to be sped up, and Congress can help by passing more multiyear procurement contracts. This will incentivize companies to invest in their workforce and production facilities, and it will help the military expand its production capacity. Congress should also make it easier for the Defense Department to direct funding to the highest priority theaters and capabilities. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is a step in the right direction, but it needs dedicated funding.
The National Defense Authorization Act and the defense appropriations bills are some of the few consistently bipartisan pieces of legislation. Congress must act boldly to institute changes and transform the military. However, when the government shuts down, appropriations bills become harder to pass, and continuing resolutions harm national security. Congress should recognize continuing resolutions as the new normal and seek to mitigate their most problematic elements.
In conclusion, the Pentagon's struggles with defense acquisition and budget management are a significant concern. Congress has a crucial role to play in fixing the system, and it must take a more aggressive approach to address the roots of the problem. By promoting innovation, taking the right risks, and institutionalizing bold steps, Congress and the Defense Department can transform today's military and ensure its readiness for the future.
