Hegseth may not be up to reform at Pentagon.

 NO MORE MONEY WITHOUT AUDIT AND REVIEW

IS HEGSETH ASKING FOR $200 BILLION MORE? 

One must wonder if Pete Hegseth has already been incorporated into the giant Pentagon swamp. After only a few weeks as the head of the biggest department in the federal government, we have not as yet seen any action on reform or indications that it will happen. We have heard of the indication that they expect to increase the budget by $200 billion in the next 2 years and amazingly has proposed that a complete audit would be completed in the next 4 years, after he may no longer be in the position. 

While everyone believes in a strong, modern defense, it can only be accomplished with a strong America. A strong America will not be the reality by throwing more money at an unaccountable bureaucracy. Audit first, then see were more money is needed. A complete and thorough audit and also a review of present practices and decision making as to what is being produced for the end users, the men in uniform.

The biggest strength of the U.S. military in WW2 was the strength of the U.S. manufacturing capacity, a midget compared to 70 years ago, without a strong manufacturing capacity, independent of foreign imports, it is a very vulnerable fact.

There are indications from many, that the products and weapons currently being produced are over engineered, over expensive, complicated to operate and require specialized and difficult maintenance. They may be amazing in the controlled environment of a congressional sales pitch, but in the mud, rain, snow and heat of battle may be not as effective as more basic weapons. How is it that Russia with a budget of less 10% of all of NATO can outproduce them in artillery shells? Not a hard question, but maybe difficult to answer.

Can our aircraft fly without the use of complicated electronics, I don't know, but I think it is a relative question? Is anyone asking that question? Can our complicated electronic controlled equipment be neutralized with electronic warfare.

There are many who believe the Navy, except for submarines, is a bunch of floating slow moving targets for sophisticated cruise missiles a drone swarms, Is that a fact? Is anyone asking? Is it now possible that a billion dollar aircraft carrier and thousands of crew members are vulnerable to weapons now possessed by third world adversaries.

We have watched as warfare has evolved in a very fast time in Ukraine. With all the tanks and sophisticated weapons it is an artillery war with drone warfare becoming the dominate new weapon.  Not million dollar drones, but often jury rigged weapons fashioned by not genius soldiers. They have been the most effective weapon by the Ukraine military. It is also clear that Ukraine has voiced its opinion that much of the training provided by the west is non effective in this war. Is anyone listening?

We have not yet heard of the fate of 44 four star generals or how many bureaucrats does it take to make an artillery shell. Without real reform, review and a audit, the Pentagon will continue to be sink hole of funds without what is needed for the future defense.