Breaking Defense is reporting that the Pentagon is rushing to spend $152 billion and has issued guidance to its program offices to meet the deadline. It said the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the Pentagon continues to "struggle" with key weapons development timelines, revealing details on high-profile programs from Air Force One to Army missiles.
Separately, Breaking Defense obtained an internal memo indicating that Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg's office has created an autonomy czar role. This new position will manage nearly all drone efforts, including ground, small air, and most sea vehicles.
The GAO also warned that recent Department of Defense changes, specifically workforce reductions at the Directorate of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), risk fielding weapons with hidden problems. It said action officers are being assigned more programs or programs outside their expertise.
Finally, the outlet reported the Pentagon is seeking to hire "hundreds" of software engineers for two-year tours as part of a new "War Force" initiative, emphasizing attracting artificial intelligence talent.