In a new bid to boost U.S. military readiness levels, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld may ask Congress for expanded authorities to expedite the acquisition of new weapon systems and the refurbishment of worn gear. In an Aug. 10 memo to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, Rumsfeld directed the service secretaries and the Pentagon's acquisition executive to recommend actions -- including changes to existing law -- needed to accelerate both the procurement and repair of equipment that is used, in part,...
