The following are slides from a Jan. 7, 2014 briefing from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO): Approaches to Reducing Federal Spending on National Defense. Read More
Category Archives: U.S. Army
First Chemical Weapons Leave Syria for Destruction at Sea
MV Cape Ray (T-AKR-9679)
The first batch of Syrian chemical weapons have been moved out of the war-ravaged country in order to be destroyed, United Nations officials announced on Tuesday. Read More
Document: Pentagon’s Unmanned Systems Roadmap
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton. US Navy Photo
Unmanned systems continue to deliver new and enhanced battlefield capabilities to the warfighter. While the demand for unmanned systems continues unabated today, a number of factors will influence unmanned program development in the future. Read More
Navy to Work with Army on Next Generation Helicopter Program
An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter transports supplies over the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) in the Middle East. US Navy Photo
The U.S. Navy is participating in the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program to develop an eventual replacement for its Sikorsky MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk fleets. Read More
SECDEF Hagel: Budget Deal ‘Step in the Right Direction’ But ‘Tough Decisions’ on Horizon
The last minute budget deal reached by the House and the Senate restores readiness shortfalls for the Pentagon and provides a firmer base of fiscal stability for the Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey told reporters in a Thursday press conference. Read More
Document: Report on FY 2014 U.S. Defense Budget
From the Dec. 16, 2013 Congressional Research Service report: Defense: FY2014 Authorization and Appropriations.
President Obama’s FY2014 base budget request of $552.0 billion in discretionary budget authority for the Department of Defense (DOD) and defense-related programs of other agencies (excluding war costs), exceeds by $53.9 billion the legally binding cap on defense funding for FY2014 that was enacted in 2011 as part of the Budget Control Act (P.L. 112-25). Unless the Budget Control Act (BCA) is amended, either Congress will have to cut the Administration’s National Defense request by $53.9 billion (about 9.8%) to meet the BCA cap of $498.1 billion, or else the BCA law will reduce the appropriation to the level set by the cap through a process of sequestration, beginning in January 2014. Read More
Navy Nominates First African American Woman For Fourth Star
Vice Adm. Michelle Howard. US Navy Photo
Vice Adm. Michelle Howard has been nominated to serve the second in command of the U.S. Navy, making her the first African American female to be nominated for the rank of admiral, the service told USNI News on Friday.
Kaine, Forbes Optimistic on Defense Deal by Friday
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) addressing the US Naval Institute Defense Forum Washington on Dec. 10, 2013. US Naval Institute Photo
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) expressed optimism in a pending congressional deal that may provide the Pentagon a modicum of fiscal stability. Read More
Senate and House Committees Reach Defense Bill Compromise
A bi-partisan compromise on a new defense authorization bill will put additional oversight on the Joint Strike Fighter program. US Navy Photo
The House and Senate armed services committees have agreed to a last minute compromise defense bill that would authorize funds to fully fund the Pentagon’s budget for Fiscal Year 2014, committee leaders said in a press conference late Monday afternoon.
Document: Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act Fact Sheet
From the Dec. 9, 2014 fact sheet on the Fiscal Year 2014 summary of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) propsal.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 is the key mechanism to provide necessary authorities and funding for America’s military. This is the fifty-second consecutive NDAA. The legislation meets Chairman McKeon’s goal of providing for a strong defense in an era of uncertain and declining resources. The total funding authorized reflects the will of the House to provide our troops the resources they need to meet a dangerous world. However, Chairman McKeon also recognizes that, more than ever, the impacts of rapid defense cuts, FY13 sequestration, and the prospect of future sequester cuts in the years to come, will force our warfighters to be not only keen stewards of our national security, but to maximize value for every taxpayer dollar. To that end, this legislation supports and protects our warfighters and their families; addresses ongoing and emerging conflicts with resolve and accountability; protects America today while making wise choices. Read More
