The Pentagon's struggles are well-documented, but the solution lies with Congress. Despite spending over a trillion dollars on defense, the U.S. military's capabilities remain outdated, and its acquisitions lag behind those of China. This is a result of a broken system, where defense acquisition is slow, over budget, and lacks innovation. Congress has a crucial role to play in fixing this issue, but it must act boldly and address the underlying problems.
The defense industry's consolidation into a few major players has led to inefficiencies and a lack of innovation. Congress should consider antitrust actions and pass legislation to review and expand the organic industrial base, creating new manufacturing jobs. They should also ban stock buybacks and cap executive compensation for underperforming contractors. Additionally, Congress can encourage collaboration by mandating open systems architecture for major defense programs and streamlining acquisition processes.
Congress must also rightsize the Defense Department's budget by approving divestments of outdated programs and expediting funding for strategic initiatives. They should work with service leaders to systematically review legacy systems and cut wasteful projects, such as the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, which is over budget and behind schedule. Multiyear procurement contracts can help speed up innovation and production, and Congress should prioritize funding for high-priority theaters and capabilities.
Despite the challenges, Congress and the Defense Department must work together to address the inefficiencies and uncertainties caused by continuing resolutions. By promoting innovation, taking risks, and institutionalizing bold steps, they can transform the military and ensure its readiness in the face of a complex security environment.
