General Scolds Defense ContractorsFebruary 18, 2011
A top U.S. Air Force official told a group of defense industry executives in no uncertain terms that the Pentagon could no longer spend money on unsound military projects, according to an article in The Hill. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was harsh in his assessment of how the defense industry must become more efficient and realistic when it proposes weapons systems for the Pentagon. "Don't blow smoke “about the capabilities of the proposed systems and their production timelines, Schwartz told a quiet and uneasy group of executives. "There's no time for it. There's no patience for it. OK?" The tough talk reflects the Pentagon's new fiscal reality. Gone are the days when the defense industry was generously funded to build systems to fight two wars and to take on terrorism. During this time, a majority of defense projects exceeded projected expenses and were fraught with delays. "If industry makes a commitment, you will have to deliver," Schwartz said. "There will be less tolerance…for not delivering." Defense Secretary Robert Gates has made it clear that the Defense budget will be slashed by $78 billion over the next five years and that it is likely to be cut even further after that time. Democratic and Republican lawmakers are coming to terms with the need to cut what they once considered an untouchable budget. “Cost-control will be an issue in everything we do,” from weapon programs to health care, said Schwartz. The Air Force Chief's words carry extra weight given that he is rumored to be on the shortlist to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs, according to The Hill, and also because Schwartz is not known as a particularly hard-nosed leader. "So the tough talk clearly is aimed at sending a message," Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute, told The Hill “…easy times are over for contractors, and companies that don't perform will be punished." |
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