ed. Ethan R. Rosenkranz
State of Play
Combatant commanders were given a series of briefings at the Pentagon last week on the budget landscape as they provided input on potential long-term savings and investment reforms. The Office of the Secretary of Defense continues work on the upcoming strategy review which will chart a fiscal path for the department for the FY13-17 budget window and may include cuts to programs and force structure. Def. Sec. Panetta is expected to share elements of the upcoming strategic review and recommendations for cuts at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on October 13. General Martin Dempsey took over as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday , replacing Admiral Mullen and becoming the first army chairman since General Hugh Shelton.
Combatant commanders were given a series of briefings at the Pentagon last week on the budget landscape as they provided input on potential long-term savings and investment reforms. The Office of the Secretary of Defense continues work on the upcoming strategy review which will chart a fiscal path for the department for the FY13-17 budget window and may include cuts to programs and force structure. Def. Sec. Panetta is expected to share elements of the upcoming strategic review and recommendations for cuts at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on October 13. General Martin Dempsey took over as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday , replacing Admiral Mullen and becoming the first army chairman since General Hugh Shelton.
Highlights
National Defense: Analysts Calls For More 'Honesty' in Defense Budget Debate
A panel of defense analysts provide an adult perspective in the midst of budget cutting hysteria. (9/30/11)
Huffington Post: The Stench of Elitism in the Defense Budget
Winslow Wheeler offers a scathing indictment of the pro-defense "elite" in Washington. (9/29/11)
AOL Defense: Cut Defense Now, Build Strategy Later
Harvey Sapolsky and Benjamin Friedman argue against waiting for a comprehensive strategy review to begin budget cutting at the Pentagon. (9/29/11)
Other News and Commentary
Stars and Stripes: Weapons Cuts, Fewer Jobs Likely Lie Ahead in Navy's Future
While declining to name specific programs, a Navy admiral says high-tech weapons and sensors will soon become unaffordable given fiscal constraints. (10/3/11)
The Hill: Republican Hawks Use Sharp Rhetoric to Fight Deeper Pentagon Cuts
The Hill: Republican Hawks Use Sharp Rhetoric to Fight Deeper Pentagon Cuts
Gordon Adams retorts claims put forth by the HASC majority staff report while Republicans claim the "American way of life is at risk." (10/2/11)
Army Times: New JCS Chairman Seeks Balance in U.S. Power
New JCS Chairman Dempsey disagrees with his predecessor that the largest threat to national security is the public debt. (9/30/11)
American Forces Press Service: New TRICARE Prime Enrollees Pay Adjusted Annual Fees
American Forces Press Service: New TRICARE Prime Enrollees Pay Adjusted Annual Fees
Beginning October 1, military retirees enrolling in TRICARE Prime will pay slightly higher annual fees. (9/30/11)
Defense News: U.S. Caps Humvee-Upgrade Cost at $180K
Following the Senate Appropriations Committee's move to cancel the JLTV, the Army announces it's capping the cost of upgrading Humvees. (9/29/11)
Defense News: Cohen: Cuts Need Not Hobble U.S. Military
Former Def. Sec. William Cohen believes defense savings can create a more efficient military. (9/29/11)
The Heritage Foundation: Heritage's Fiscal Plan Saves American Dream for America's Veterans
Baker Spring from Heritage discusses their proposal to freeze veteran's spending at current levels through FY15. For a copy of Heritage's fiscal proposal, click here (9/29/11)
Defense News: USMC: Cuts Force Business to Change
Marine Corps leaders express frustration with defense manufacturers and list their priorities for the service as it seeks to cut costs. (9/29/11)
Defence Professionals: Bipartisan Group of Reps. Urges Super Committee to Curb Defense Spending
A bipartisan group of representatives, led by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), is sending a letter to the Joint Select Committee urging it to curb defense spending. (9/29/11)
Def. Sec. Panetta is briefing combatant commanders on the Pentagon's internal strategy review and soliciting ideas for budget savings. (9/28/11)
Reports and Releases
Government Accountability Office: Warfighter Support: Improved Cost Analysis and Better Oversight Needed Over Army Nonstandard Equipment (9/29/11)
Government Accountability Office: Defense Acquisition Workforce: Better Identification, Development, and Oversight Needed for Personnel Involved in Acquiring Services (9/28/11)
Government Accountability Office: Contingency Contracting: Improved Planning and Management Oversight Needed to Address Challenges with Closing Contracts (9/28/11)
