Gates Calls for Cuts in Defense Overhead

http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/gates-calls-for-cuts-in-defense-overhead.html">Gates Calls for Cuts in Defense Overhead
May 11, 2010
American Forces Press Service
by Jim Garamone

ABILENE, Kan. - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates used the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the Victory in Europe to declare war on duplicative overhead, bloat and needless spending in the Defense Department.

In a speech at the Eisenhower Library here today, Gates called for a reduction in overhead for the department, and said he wants the department to take a hard, realistic look at what defense capabilities America really needs in the 21st century.

The Defense Department must take a hard look at every aspect of how it is organized, staffed and operated, Gates said in the speech.

"In each instance we must ask: First, is this respectful of the American taxpayer at a time of economic and fiscal duress?" he said. "And second, is this activity or arrangement the best use of limited dollars, given the pressing needs to take care of our people, win the wars we are in, and invest in the capabilities necessary to deal with the most likely and lethal future threats?"

The secretary called for a two to three percent reduction in overhead costs in the fiscal 2012 budget request. The money saved can be dedicated to force structure - the formations that fight our nation's wars.



unhappycamper comment: Too bad Gates isn't looking at all needless spending in the Defense Department.