In a press conference at the Pentagon SecDef Gates has laid out how he plans to reduce the DoD expenditures. He laid out four over all plans:
First and most significantly, earlier this year the military services were assigned the task of finding more than $100 billion in overhead savings over the next five years. Unlike budget cutting efforts of the past, the services will be able to keep the savings they generate to reinvest in higher-priority warfighting needs and modernization programs.
Second, we are seeking ideas, suggestions and proposals from outside normal official channels. This includes soliciting input from experts such as think tanks, industry and the department’s external boards.
Third, I directed a series of assessments of how this department is organized and operated to inform the FY 2012 budget request.
Fourth, even with these DOD-wide efforts under way, he concluded there are a number of areas where we can take action starting now and not wait for the normal budgeting and program process.
Gates announced an initial set of decisions designed to reduce duplication, overhead and excess in the defense enterprise and over time instill a culture of savings and restraint in this department.
The ideas Gates puts forth deserve full attention by the Administration, the Congress and the DoD.
Part 2 tomorrow.
