Mattis distributes guidance on organizational, structural reforms

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Tuesday distributed guidance to the Defense Department focused on eliminating DOD's acquisition office as directed by Congress, as well as establishing cross-functional teams to examine mission effectiveness and efficiencies, according to Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.

Mattis is directing DOD officials to examine the disestablishment of the office of the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics as called for by the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, Davis said.

In addition, Mattis directs DOD to "reform the functions of the chief management officer and to optimize information management and cyber operations," Davis said.

The department will also review its core business functions, Davis said.

The guidance "highlights our commitment toward improving business operations through efficiencies and ensuring we fully fund the most pressing readiness and modernization activities," Davis said. "Secretary Mattis is committed to earning the trust of Congress and the American people by providing for the security of our nation while being the best possible steward of every taxpayer dollar spent on defense.”

Davis said the memos would be publicly released shortly.