GovConJudicata’s Post

A bipartisan congressional panel has issued a report calling for a massive defense buildup in the United States, warning that America's military is not prepared for a major war. The report argues that the U.S. faces a more dangerous world, with adversaries like China and Russia growing stronger, while the country's defense capabilities have not kept pace. The panel found that the U.S. is failing to act with the urgency required to address these threats, across multiple administrations and political parties. The panel's recommendations include reassessing the Pentagon's acquisition and innovation systems, immediately passing a supplemental defense bill, and considering politically unpopular measures like higher taxes or entitlement program reforms to fund the necessary defense buildup. The report draws comparisons to the Cold War era, when the U.S. spent 6.8% of its GDP on defense, compared to the current 3% spending level. The panel argues that the country's military should be capable of fighting across multiple theaters simultaneously, given the threats posed by Russia, China, and Iran in the Middle East. #DefensePolicy #NationalSecurity #MilitaryPreparedness #CongressionalReport #GeopoliticalRisks

The $825 billion defense spending bill is likely to have substantial implications for the defense industry. It signals a robust investment in procurement and research and development, prioritizing modernization and readiness to address new global threats. This focus on enhancing capabilities, particularly in response to challenges posed by China, could drive innovation and growth within the sector. Companies involved in the production of submarines, missiles, and next-generation weapons systems may particularly benefit from increased funding. Moreover, the emphasis on multiyear contracts suggests a push for long-term projects and stability within the defense industry.

Historically, Washington, D.C., has favored insider candidates for high-level positions, typically promoting individuals from within the Washington establishment. However, President-elect Trump's approach marks a departure from this tradition. In line with his promise to "return the government to the people," he has quickly chosen non-traditional appointees who may have less experience but demonstrate capability, loyalty, and a commitment to his vision. One notable selection is Pete Hegseth, a Washington outsider and unconventional candidate for Secretary of Defense (SecDef). However, the new Secretary will have to navigate the largest agency in the federal government with the second-largest federal budget. He will inherit responsibility for over 3 million personnel and an astounding $3.8 trillion in assets—not counting the immense responsibility of defending the nation. Yet, the most significant challenge may lie within the Pentagon and the Washington establishment. A complex network of processes, procedures, personalities, and agendas can generate more turmoil than any battlefield. The “task at hand” is immense, and navigating this environment will be difficult and time-consuming." The following article hopefully provides insight for the new secretary. https://lnkd.in/gMg-T5HC #defense #globalsecurity #Pentagon #SecretaryofDefense

Everyone should read this document! "The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war. The United States last fought a global conflict during World War II, which ended nearly 80 years ago. The nation was last prepared for such a fight during the Cold War, which ended 35 years ago. It is not prepared today. The U.S. public are largely unaware of the dangers the United States faces or the costs (financial and otherwise) required to adequately prepare. They do not appreciate the strength of China and its partnerships or the ramifications to daily life if a conflict were to erupt. They are not anticipating disruptions to their power, water, or access to all the goods on which they rely. They have not internalized the costs of the United States losing its position as a world superpower. A bipartisan “call to arms” is urgently needed so that the United States can make the major changes and significant investments now rather than wait for the next Pearl Harbor or 9/11." https://lnkd.in/ecJyW9PD

"America’s odds of fighting a major war are the highest in 80 years, and its military isn’t prepared for one. This was the finding of a bipartisan panel tasked by Congress to review U.S. defense strategy. Its nearly 100-page report reveals a crisis of confidence in American national security. The commission chides a Pentagon it considers too plodding, a Congress it considers too partisan and multiple administrations it says have been too complacent to address threats from China, Russia and countries in the Middle East." #conflict #war #multifront #bipartisan #nationalsecurity #crisis #confidence #complacent #funding #chancesforwar #notprepared #congress #slow #bureaucracy #toslowtoadapt

A new bipartisan call for higher DOD spending indicates positive prospects for the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services (ADGS) industry in the coming years. According to Defense News, the Commission on the National Defense Strategy's recent report advocates for increased defense spending to address China and Russia's growing military investments. The report emphasizes the necessity for defense-related expenditures to rise from the current ~3% of GDP to ensure preparedness for potential conflicts on multiple fronts. The report also highlights the importance of reforming procurement practices, a move that is expected to particularly benefit agile vendors like Andruil Industries, who operate without the burden of legacy management structures seen in larger companies. This renewed focus on procurement reform is a crucial development within the industry landscape, offering innovation and efficiency enhancement opportunities. To read more about the implications of this call for higher defense spending, refer to the full report by clicking the link below: https://lnkd.in/ecYAvTkT #DODspending #DefenseIndustry #NationalDefenseStrategy #ProcurementReform #Andruil #DefenseNews

GGPC Chairman discusses dangerous global security environment and current domestic obstacles requiring dramatic change _______________________________________ In a strongly-worded Washington Post editorial published Sept. 24, 2024, our founder and chairman, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert M. Gates, shares a quote from the bipartisan Commission on the National Defense Strategy, which in its most-recent report issued in July said, “The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war." Referencing that dire assessment, Secretary Gates says, "Despite these realities, it is largely business as usual in Washington. Dramatic change is needed to convert rhetoric into ensuring and sustaining long-term military superiority." Secretary Gates identifies three U.S. institutions responsible for today's predicament and describes in detail what each must do to address the current situation. Those three institutions are: o The White House o The Department of Defense (DOD) o Congress   Given his lifelong embrace of bipartisanship and focus on developing solutions to national security problems - both are foundational pillars of the Robert M. Gates Global Policy Center - not surprisingly, Secretary Gates underscores those values in this editorial. "Congressional leaders and committee members in both chambers should work together to end continuing resolutions for defense budgets, reform congressional procedures...and reduce micromanagement in the name of oversight." The below URL/link will take you to this latest editorial by Robert M. Gates. https://lnkd.in/ezDd4-dF #robertmgates #robertmgatesglobalpolicycenter #nationalsecurity #nationaldefense

M-Day was Yesterday. We are in an undeclared national crisis. "The U.S. public are largely unaware of the dangers the United States faces or the costs (financial and otherwise) required to adequately prepare. They do not appreciate the strength of China and its partnerships or the ramifications to daily life if a conflict were to erupt. They are not anticipating disruptions to their power, water, or access to all the goods on which they rely. They have not internalized the costs of the United States losing its position as a world superpower. A bipartisan “call to arms” is urgently needed so that the United States can make the major changes and significant investments now rather than wait for the next Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The support and resolve of the American public are indispensable." From the Commission on National Defense Strategy's 2024 report: https://lnkd.in/g94zBjnK

In our final appropriations package, the standout is the bipartisan effort to secure crucial Homeland Security funding, adding an unlisted $2.2 billion to its agencies. This effort underscores our dedication to national safety and encompasses a broad spectrum of priorities including defense, education, health, and foreign operations in a comprehensive 1,012-page bill. It's a testament to our collective values and determination to ensure a secure, prosperous future for all Americans. https://bit.ly/3T6UfkD #BeThe1st

The importance of passing the National Defense Spending Bill cannot be overstated, especially in the face of rising global tensions. As highlighted in this article, our National Guard and broader Department of Defense community have been operating under continuing resolutions since October 2023. This uncertainty jeopardizes readiness, modernization, and the overall quality of life for our servicemembers, which is particularly troubling given the current global landscape. With escalating tensions around the world, it's imperative that we take action now. With the current CR for defense spending set to expire on March 22, I urge all constituents to reach out to their elected delegations and demand swift action to pass the Defense Budget. Continuing resolutions hinder the Department of Defense's ability to implement crucial programs, thereby undermining our national security readiness at a time when it is needed most. As the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force, the Guard's ability to fulfill its federal mission is at risk, leaving our nation vulnerable in the face of growing threats. I echo the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) in calling on congressional leaders to prioritize the passage of a comprehensive defense spending bill before the March 22 deadline. Let's ensure our Guard community is equipped and prepared to address national security threats both at home and abroad.