PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Gates Calls for Cuts to High-Tech Weapons Programs

LUVMBDiesels · #30 04-12-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel

We're on the same page there, the issue arises out of the nature of our conflicts. Do we pursue absolute superiority for our pilots at the expense of the ground troops? I say no. The pilots are in far better shape comparatively speaking, than the boots on the ground guys. It would be nice to fund both to the hearts content of the big brass, but we cannot afford it. Big part of that is due to the cozy relationship of defense contractors to the Pentagon and Congress. If we could reign in the ludicrous costs of developing new weapons, we probably could have it all. In 2007, Lockheed-Martin paid their CEO over 30 million. The same company that is years behind schedule, and at least 5.1 billion over budget on the new VH-71

Gates is also cutting the Joint Tactical Strike Vehicle (the Humvee replacement) How is that helping the boots on the ground? Our current rescue helos are reaching the end of their useful lives. We need replacements.While I hate all the waste I have seen one of the biggest reasons for the overspending - a government that 1) Cannot get easily understandable specifications to the contractors during the RFP phase 2) Constantly changes the specs after the contract is awarded. 3) Changes the number of units being produced constantly causing the price per unit to go up and 4) Mismanages the contracts execution letting the contractors get away with murder...

Just purchasing computers turned into a fiasco that 1) Cost much more than originally thought (like 100 MILLION MORE!) 2) has been the subject of three prostests in Congress by people who were not awarded the contract (and they have a valid point to protest on) 3) Has taken over a year and a half to write and 4) has crippled the organization that now is using outdated equipment (if it is available or has people SHARING outdated equipment as there arenot enough computers to go around!

Multiply this contract by the enormous amount of contracts especially in DOD and you can see how billions are lost each year. If we cleaned up our procurement process things would be much easier and cheaper. Oh and the $5000 hammer , which was more like a $3000 hammer was designed to be part of a rescue kit put in B1b bombers. It is a special shape, lightweight, made of titanium and was only made in a run of 100. It was not something you could get at Home Depot... I just saw an airconditioner made for the Army that runs on 200V 400cycle AC. It is a 12000 BTU unit and cost aout $5000! If the Army had spec'ed 120v 60Hz units they could have picked up units at any Walmart for under $300...

All I am saying is that Gates could fix the process and save $$ without cutting projects...