:

Pentagon

Esper Sees Long-Term ‘New Normal’ For DoD Under Pandemic, Addresses Supply Chain And Funding Concerns

By Matthew Beinart

Monday, May 4th, 2020

SHARE:

Esper Sees Long-Term ‘New Normal’ For DoD Under Pandemic, Addresses Supply Chain And Funding Concerns

Defense Secretary Mark Esper (DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith)

The Pentagon is preparing for a “new normal” under the long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Secretary of Defense said Monday, addressing his particular concerns with supply chain vulnerabilities and securing defense funds in the next stimulus package. During an online discussion with the Brookings Institution, Secretary Mark Esper said the department has seen a minimal effect on readiness in the near-term while officials are assessing actions for the next six to 18 months to mitigate larger impacts. “To…

Army

Lawmakers Request DoD Briefing On Army’s Planned Cuts To Aviation Procurement

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has sent a letter asking the Pentagon for a briefing on the potential industrial base impacts as a result of the Army’s planned cuts […]

Congress

CENTCOM Looking To Lessons Learned From Use Of LUCAS Drones

U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is looking to lessons learned from its use of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones by Phoenix-based SpektreWorks, according to CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper. […]

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]