Pentagon Restructuring
Pentagon Restructuring

Determine the value of DoD federal research and development programs

The US government provides research and development funds for a broad range of activities, but R&D funding is typically included along with other funding, making it impossible to tell how much specific R&D funds are being provided until after the fact. By more specifically classifying these funds, DoD can examine whether projects are important for the mission. While not specifically related, in 2019, Senator Joni Ernst introduced the "COST" Act, which would stipulate that “every project supported with federal funds [to] include a price tag with its cost to taxpayers," and such steps could help address this problem.

The Problem

Readiness versus Waste

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    “If we are going to effectively tackle the long-term national security threat posed by our national debt, then we need to seriously examine how our defense dollars are being spent. Waste and inefficiency within the Pentagon not only contributes to our nation’s debt and deficit, it also diminishes the effectiveness of our nation’s armed forces."

    Dan Caldwell, USMC (ret.)
    Concerned Veterans for America
    Dan Caldwell, USMC (ret.)
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    “I'm concerned that our increasing fractious political process, particularly with respect to federal spending, is threatening our ability to properly defend our nation both in the short term and especially in the long term."

    Dan Coats
    Director of National Intelligence
    Dan Coats
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    “This guide is a much-needed first step toward encouraging politicians to consider all available options for substantive Pentagon reform. Our troops deserve better than broken bureaucracy, and politicians shouldn't fool themselves into thinking that throwing money at the problem is the solution."

    Capt. Dan Grazier, USMC (ret.)
    Project on Government Oversight
    Capt. Dan Grazier, USMC (ret.)