Budget Delays Could Slow Army Modernization
Mon, 11/08/2021 - 06:50
A political impasse over government funding is creating a bumpy way forward for Army transformation programs.
Since the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year, the Army and the rest of the federal government have been funded under a temporary resolution that includes restrictions on starting new military construction projects and procurement programs.
The situation isn’t unusual and sometimes includes a brief shutdown of federal functions while lawmakers and the White House reach a compromise. Last year, the Army and the rest of the government operated for three months under a so-called continuing resolution before a final budget was signed into law.
What is unusual and harmful to the Army is this year’s restricted funding could continue for several months at a time when several critical modernization and transformation programs are supposed to be hitting milestones. The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, the Next-Generation Squad Weapon and long-range precision munitions are among the programs that are at a critical stage that could be delayed. Some research projects related to soldier lethality could also be delayed.
https://www.ausa.org/news/budget-delays-could-slow-army-modernization
