Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Today's INSIDER Daily Digest includes a behind-the-scenes look at how the Army decided on a new time line for its latest combat vehicle program and the results of the Pentagon's first-ever audit.
First, we track the Army secretary's path to deciding on a new fielding plan for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle:
How the Army secretary drove the service to accelerate its new combat vehicle program
Seeking to accelerate the fielding date of the Army's next-generation fighting vehicle, Army Secretary Mark Esper was presented three plans -- one too far in the future to satisfy demand, one too near to add much capability and another option he decided was just right.
The Pentagon comptroller briefed reporters on the findings of the Defense Department's first try at an audit:
Pentagon's first-ever audit fails to find 'hidden pots of gold'
Though the Defense Department failed to receive a “clean” opinion from auditors who examined more than $2.7 trillion in DOD assets, Pentagon officials say the historic undertaking has provided valuable information that will improve military readiness and cybersecurity.
Meanwhile, the Defense Security Service is set to combine the work of several other organizations:
Defense Security Service consolidating several entities, rebranding as part of background investigations shift
President Trump is expected to “imminently” sign an executive order formally shifting federal background investigations to the Defense Security Service and rebranding DSS as the “Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency,” according to Defense Department officials.
Inside the Navy was in Annapolis, MD, yesterday for a briefing with Lockheed Martin:
Lockheed modifying Freedom-class LCS stern ramps to stow vessels at high speeds
ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Lockheed Martin is upgrading the stern ramps on its Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships to allow crews to stow vehicles on the ramp while the ship is moving at up to 40 knots, according to a company official.
We found another interesting detail in the new report from the Commission on the National Defense Strategy for the United States:
Commission: SECDEF should ensure MDA transitions missile defense systems to services
The defense secretary should make good on long-standing plans for the Missile Defense Agency to transfer acquisition responsibility for mature missile defense programs to the relevant military services that operate the system, an independent defense commission recommends.
Lastly, we have news on another MQ-9 contract:
Recent MQ-9 contract funds 16 new remotely piloted aircraft
General Atomics' most recent MQ-9 Reaper procurement contract will cover production of 16 remotely piloted aircraft, according to the Air Force.