Washington Pulse

February 2005

Washington Pulse

by Sandra I. Erwin

Media Blamed for Pentagon ‘Groupthink’
Asked to comment on news reports that the Defense Department plans to cut weapons program budgets, the Army’s top acquisition executive, Claude M. Bolton, replied that he does not read newspapers and he shuns the Pentagon’s daily “Early Bird” clippings, which are considered mandatory reading inside the building. Speculative media reports tend to cloud judgment, he suggested. “I don’t read The Washington Post. I don’t read the Early Bird … If you want my opinion, I need to not read the articles so I don’t get caught in the groupthink.”

Speaking to an industry conference, Bolton pressed the case for additional funds for the Army. Even if the Iraq war ended today, the Army would need several billion dollars in supplemental appropriations for at least two more years to repair equipment and reorganize the force, Bolton said. “We need to push for continuing supplementals, even after the war.”

Industrial ‘Surge’ Capacity Worries Army
In early December, Bolton summoned selected industry executives to discuss contracting issues and to hear the industry’s position on improving the Army’s ability to meet unforeseen needs for weapons systems, parts and services. A major problem for the Army is maintaining a “surge capability” in between conflicts when resources are in short supply. Industry representatives attending the session complained about cumbersome acquisition regulations and export laws that jeopardize their ability to deliver items to the military on short notice, as well as the lack of any single standard or point of contact for requirements across the Defense Department. Also discussed was the issue of providing greater insurance protection to contractors deployed on the battlefield. After the meeting, all parties agreed on the need to meet periodically, perhaps quarterly, said industry sources.

Shortages of Aircraft Parts Haunt Commanders
When it comes to industrial readiness, much work remains to be done in the aviation sector, notes Maj. Gen. James H. Pillsbury, head of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. Although contractors in general have “stepped up” to meet the Army’s needs, Pillsbury says, too many aircraft parts remain on back order. AMCOM, which manages 9,812 different lines of spare parts, has severe shortages of 456 of those parts. Because third-tier subcontractors are so backed up, it could take more than a year to fill those orders, he adds. Asked what keeps him up at night, Pillsbury replied, “Why can’t we as a nation come to grips with 456 items?”

Pillsbury says the Army plans to set up five centers of excellence at major Army bases to repair helicopters as they return from the war. The centers are intended to preserve “critical work skills,” and will be located at Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Hunter Airfield, Ga., and Fort Lewis, Wash.

Marine Vessel Shines in Asian Relief Operation
A catamaran leased by the Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan, operated in relative obscurity for 18 months. When Marines were called to assist the victims of the Asian Tsunami in late December, the so-called WestPac Express high-speed vessel got noticed for its ability to move cargo at a fast clip.

“We’ve found it provides tremendous utility,” says Navy Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander of all U.S. military forces in the Pacific region. “The message is that high-speed vessels of this nature—vessels that can move at 40, 45 knots, that can carry a great deal of cargo—in this case she’s actually moving helicopters—are going to be a big part of the future.”

Back To Top