Reprogramming Request

InsideDefense.com recently posted a couple of stories about a new Pentagon reprogramming request:

Pentagon Wants $404M In OCO Reprogramming For 21 Apache Helos

The Pentagon has asked Congress to move $404 million in overseas contingency operations money to pay for 21 additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopters set to replace OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, according to new Defense Department documents.

The DOD reprogramming request -- signed by Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord on Sept. 8 and obtained by InsideDefense.com -- states that the 21 Apaches will replace 21 Kiowas "as the Apache now assumes the Armed Scout role previously filled by the Kiowa Warrior." The additional aircraft also "will help the Army reach its acquisition objective earlier, contribute to manned-unmanned teaming, and reduce overall unit costs by increasing production efficiencies," according to the document.

Pentagon Wants To Use Wartime Dollars For F-35 Program

The Pentagon and the Office of Management and Budget are asking Congress for permission to use wartime funding to replace six AV-8B Harriers lost in Afghanistan with new F-35B Joint Strike Fighters, according to a congressional source and a reprogramming request obtained by InsideDefense.com.

The reprogramming request, signed Sept. 8 by Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord, includes $852 million for six F-35B short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variants to replace the AV-8B Harriers that were destroyed during a terrorist attack in September 2012 at Forward Operating Base Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. The production line for the McDonnell-Douglas-built AV-8B is closed. The F-35B is the replacement aircraft.

We can now share that document:

Document: DOD's OCO Reprogramming Request

In a Sept. 8, 2014, reprogramming request signed by Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord, the Defense Department seeks congressional approval to shift $1.9 billion from overseas contingency operations funds to pay for various programs, including attack helicopters, combat aircraft, munitions and special operations forces.