Early results of a not-yet-complete Pentagon assessment of the defense industrial base reveal "some fragility" among lower-tier companies that -- in select cases -- provide components critical to major weapons, a finding that will influence the Defense Department's investment blueprint, according to a senior DOD official. Brett Lambert, deputy assistant secretary of defense for manufacturing and industrial base policy, said a review directed in March by Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn is prompting the Pentagon to "keep a mindful watch"...
