DOD IG says Army working to fix BCT shortages

The Army is working to overcome readiness challenges related to its active component brigade combat teams, according to a new report from the Defense Department inspector general.

The report, dated Nov. 18, states the Army as of July had completed four of its 10 previously devised plans to address shortages, including those of "mobile gun systems, spare parts for the Stryker [vehicles], military intelligence systems maintainers/integrators and unmanned aircraft systems operators."

The remaining six plans at the time were showing "progress in reducing equipment, spare parts, and personnel shortages," according to the report.

"As a result of the Army's efforts to address BCT readiness challenges, the Army met or exceeded the chief of staff of the Army's goal of 66%, [or 21 of the 31], of active component BCTs reporting the highest readiness levels for seven consecutive quarterly reporting periods from the first quarter of [calendar year] 2018 through the third quarter of CY 2019," the report states.

"However, the Army must fully implement ongoing actions to address shortages and continue to monitor BCT readiness to maintain high levels of readiness," the IG adds.