Capt.(Dr.) S G Naravane’s Post

John Ferrari at American Enterprise Institute offers some advice to the incoming U.S. Secretary of Defense: focus on fixing internal issues at the Pentagon. "Our military is in its most perilous shape since the end of the 1970s: Woefully behind in utilizing existing technologies... and burdened with an acquisition process and programs that cost billions to deliver hand-crafted weapons that cannot be manufactured to scale and often do not even work." What to do about it? The new SECDEF should focus on "acquisition, resources, and recruiting." https://lnkd.in/e-JjP3dY 

I think Ferrari's emphasis on having a SecDef with a strong emphasis on internal reforms is accurate. I'm less clear with some of his specifics. I get the symbolic utility of axing a major program and investing in drones but it's really not clear that unmanned systems are a like for like replacement for either of the two he suggests. Given short time horizons and limited resources we have to be take calibrated risks not theatrical gestures.

mer. 14 août à 11 h 09 United States and Chile Hold the 22nd Meeting of the Defense Consultative Committee to Discuss Key Defense Priorities U.S. Department of Defense IMMEDIATE RELEASE United States and Chile Hold the 22nd Meeting of the Defense Consultative Committee to Discuss Key Defense Priorities Aug. 13, 2024 Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Devin T. Robinson provided the following readout: On August 13, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Ms. Jana Nelson, co-chaired the 22nd meeting of the U.S. – Chile Defense Consultative Committee (DCC) with the Chilean co-chair, Under Secretary of Defense Ricardo Montero. The meeting took place at the Chilean Ministry of Defense in Santiago, Chile. Established in 1996, the DCC is the principal strategic forum for U.S. – Chile bilateral defense cooperation and brings together key leaders to discuss bilateral defense issues and overall defense priorities. The co-chairs convened policy leaders from the U.S. Department of Defense and Chile’s Ministry of Defense to discuss topics including global and regional security, Women, Peace, and Security, defense policy, and cyber defense. The United States agreed to host the next round of the DCC in 2025. The co-chairs also re-affirmed the importance of the U.S. – Chile defense relationship and developed a robust workplan to deepen collaboration on areas of mutual defense and security interest, based on a foundation of shared respect for democracy and human rights.

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

In light of increasing global security demands, it is crucial for the U.S. defense industrial base to invest in enhancing both capacity and capability. Strengthening these areas will ensure we remain competitive against global powers such as China, Russia, and Iran. Now more than ever, strategic investment is key to maintaining our national security and global leadership.

RAND has just published the Commission on the National Defense Strategy. As I read through the report, I’m left asking myself: Where do we see the United States in the coming years? Will it continue to be a beacon of freedom and prosperity, or will this cease due to increased challenges from rising global powers like China? This latest RAND report was requested by Congress to address pressing questions regarding the state of readiness to defend the United States’ way of life. The below are some key highlights I took away: • Recruitment Challenges: Only 23% of Americans meet the eligibility requirements for military service, prompting a reassessment of recruitment strategies and standards. • Advanced Funding Requirements: The report calls for robust and stable defense funding, emphasizing the necessity of investing in modern technology and infrastructure to meet future challenges. • Industrial Production Shortfalls: The U.S. defense industrial base faces significant challenges in scaling up production to meet demand, potentially impacting military readiness and strategic capabilities. • Emerging Strategic Needs: There’s an urgent requirement for a more adaptable and innovative approach to maintaining U.S. strategic interests amid evolving global threats. • Global Threats and Strategic Environment: Analyzes the threats posed by China, Russia, and other actors, including cyber and space domains, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategic deterrence. • Domestic Challenges and Vision for Success: Discusses domestic constraints, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and budget limitations, and outlines a vision for overcoming these issues to strengthen national defense. • Integration of National Power: Highlights the importance of leveraging all elements of national power, including diplomatic, informational, military, and economic tools, alongside partnerships with allies and the private sector. • Innovation and Technological Advancement: Emphasizes the need for rapid adoption of new technologies and structural innovation within the Department of Defense to maintain a competitive edge. • Reassessment of Force Structure: Calls for a review and update of force-sizing constructs and capabilities to ensure alignment with current and future strategic demands. This report should serve as a critical resource for understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges we face. As mentioned earlier, this report was just briefed to Congress, and I am eagerly awaiting to see how lawmakers will respond to these pressing issues. #NationalSecurity #DefenseStrategy #MilitaryReadiness #Congress #USMilitary #DefenseFunding #IndustrialBase #GlobalSecurity #StrategicPlanning #MilitaryRecruitment #EmergingThreats #ModernWarfare #RANDReport #USDefense #InnovationInDefense #Policy #StrategicInterests #DepartmentOfDefense #DOD #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryLeadership #FutureOfDefense #Congress https://lnkd.in/eYVX-Fdg

They are absolutely right. Having led the defense business for a major Fortune commercial provider for several years, DoD does NOT have the framework in place to rapidly surge commercial capabilities, capacity and scale they will need for robustness, reliability and resiliency. Requirements will immediately exceed the DIB. For this next war DoD cannot wait for a national mobilization, the war will be over. DoD needs to urgently embrace the #WholeofNation now and clearly communicate to commercial companies what services might be needed so not only can business cases be resolved but most importantly to get commercial in #warfighter hands to OPlan and exercise so they can actually use it when they need it.

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

The Pentagon’s unexplainable phenomena-investigation hub — the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office — has officially reached full operational capability, DefenseScoop exclusively confirmed on Thursday. This news comes as AARO’s new chief Jon Kosloski prepares to participate in a classified briefing with House Oversight and Accountability Committee members on Friday. It also follows recent comments from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noting his leadership team’s recognition of the Defense Department’s need to continue to more intentionally and strategically make sense of its steadily growing caseload of reports involving unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) that could threaten U.S. national security. https://lnkd.in/e-XUTe8i

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