Senator Mullin Questions JCS Nominee on Military Technology Delays and Afghanistan Withdrawal

Addressing Military Technology Delays

• 📌 Senator Mullin highlights that since the 1994 defense industry consolidation, the industry has consistently failed to deliver critical needs on time and on budget.
• ⚠️ Technology requested for current threats is often delivered 5-7 years later, leaving the military behind.
• 🚀 General Caine agrees this is a huge problem, noting that technology evolves so quickly that capabilities are often obsolete upon fielding.
• 💡 The nominee plans to bring agility to requirements and reform acquisition to leverage current technologies, not past ones, by working with the Joint Staff, Joint Chiefs, and OSD.
• 🤝 To speed up delivery, he proposes a mix of private industry startups and established prime contractors, acknowledging that primes have failed on timeliness and budget.

Restoring Trust After Afghanistan Withdrawal

• 💔 Senator Mullin expresses that the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal has created hesitation and doubt within the military and its families about the U.S. commitment and the meaning of their sacrifices.
• 📉 This has led to a potential drain of experienced personnel and a morale issue for those still serving.
• 💬 General Caine acknowledges the withdrawal was difficult and that officers on the ground did their best under policy decisions.
• 🎗️ He states that leaders must inspire those who serve, take care of them, and ensure they and their families know their service is appreciated.
• ⚖️ Accountability for the withdrawal is necessary if policy makers above the military officers are found to be at fault.