Restrategizing Defense: Hegseth Dismantles Pentagon's Net Assessment Office
Mar 17, 2025•3 min
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Episode description
Welcome to this week's Defense Department update. The biggest headline: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the disestablishment of the Pentagon's Office of Net Assessment, with plans to rebuild it. This move signals a significant shift in how the DoD approaches long-term strategic planning.
In other news, the House narrowly passed a yearlong continuing resolution for fiscal year 2025, which includes some flexibility for the DoD to start new programs and reallocate funds. However, it amounts to a cut in military spending due to inflation. The Senate is pushing back, preferring a short-term extension to negotiate full-year appropriations.
On the policy front, Hegseth issued a memo directing the adoption of special contracting pathways for rapid software procurement. This change aims to accelerate the acquisition of new technologies, particularly in the software realm.
The department is also facing challenges in oversight of weapon system acquisition programs. An inspector general report identified significant gaps that could lead to cost overruns and delays beyond the purview of Congress and Pentagon leaders.
In personnel matters, the DoD is implementing new return-to-office policies, terminating remote work agreements for employees within 50 miles of their worksites. This has sparked concerns about facility space and employee retention.
On the international stage, unclassified Indo-Pacific Pentagon acquisition nearly tripled over the last decade, reaching $18 billion in fiscal 2024. This underscores the U.S. commitment to regional security in the face of growing tensions.
For businesses, the DoD awarded several major contracts this week, including a $356 million modification to BAE Systems for Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles and a $1.9 billion contract to Lockheed Martin for missile production.
Looking ahead, the department is preparing for potential government shutdown scenarios if a budget agreement isn't reached by March 15. Officials are determining which employees and operations would be deemed essential in such an event.
Citizens can stay informed by visiting the DoD's official website for the latest updates and guidance. As these developments unfold, public input and engagement will be crucial in shaping the future of America's defense strategy.
That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more as we continue to track the evolving landscape of national defense.
In other news, the House narrowly passed a yearlong continuing resolution for fiscal year 2025, which includes some flexibility for the DoD to start new programs and reallocate funds. However, it amounts to a cut in military spending due to inflation. The Senate is pushing back, preferring a short-term extension to negotiate full-year appropriations.
On the policy front, Hegseth issued a memo directing the adoption of special contracting pathways for rapid software procurement. This change aims to accelerate the acquisition of new technologies, particularly in the software realm.
The department is also facing challenges in oversight of weapon system acquisition programs. An inspector general report identified significant gaps that could lead to cost overruns and delays beyond the purview of Congress and Pentagon leaders.
In personnel matters, the DoD is implementing new return-to-office policies, terminating remote work agreements for employees within 50 miles of their worksites. This has sparked concerns about facility space and employee retention.
On the international stage, unclassified Indo-Pacific Pentagon acquisition nearly tripled over the last decade, reaching $18 billion in fiscal 2024. This underscores the U.S. commitment to regional security in the face of growing tensions.
For businesses, the DoD awarded several major contracts this week, including a $356 million modification to BAE Systems for Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles and a $1.9 billion contract to Lockheed Martin for missile production.
Looking ahead, the department is preparing for potential government shutdown scenarios if a budget agreement isn't reached by March 15. Officials are determining which employees and operations would be deemed essential in such an event.
Citizens can stay informed by visiting the DoD's official website for the latest updates and guidance. As these developments unfold, public input and engagement will be crucial in shaping the future of America's defense strategy.
That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more as we continue to track the evolving landscape of national defense.
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