What's The Frequency?
Check out this summary of a new GAO report about the Pentagon's purchase of a new generation of radios.
"The Department of Defense (DOD) has spent an estimated $12 billion on the development and production of tactical radios over the last 5 years--about as much as was spent producing Virginia Class submarines ($10.8 billion) in the same period."
The original estimated cost was supposed to be close to $3 billion.
Why, why, why, you ask. Government Inc. wonders too. The report suggests that the Pentagon rushed the development of the radios, then got caught up in costly delays, and then watched as costs soared.
Of course, it was working, as it should, in the interests of the warfighters, whose lives often depend on instant, excellent communication. But it appears we may have a breakdown in communication on how to design and buy the equipment.
Is anybody ever held accountable for this kind of thing?
By Robert O'Harrow |
August 15, 2008; 3:39 PM ET
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Posted by: GERRYWORKS | August 23, 2008 1:06 PM
Just another page in the book"The Largest Robbery In History" by what was a political party but is now a Criminal Party wearing a Fascist coat.
Posted by: ghostcommander | August 23, 2008 8:01 PM
Just another page in the book"The Largest Robbery In History" by what was a political party but is now a Criminal Party wearing a Fascist coat.
Posted by: ghostcommander | August 23, 2008 8:01 PM
Gerryworks: whether or not the specifications for the radios were changed or not, $12,000,000,000.00 for radios is CRAZY!
Twelve BILLION with a 'B'?
RADIOS, Gerry - RADIOS!
I've heard SO much whining and griping from the GOOP, saying Obama's health plan would cost $50-60 billion, yet somehow the Bush regime spent $12 billion on RADIOS that the military DOESN'T HAVE YET?
Yet another instance of war profiteering, led by the policies and priorities of the Bush regime.
Should have impeached the regime's leaders (and their Demoo-rat enablers) back in 2003.
Posted by: LALA | August 26, 2008 1:55 AM
Ahhhh - evolutionary acquisition. I've seen it used in australian defence procurement - even on the project board of one for a while. It's a synonym for giving a contractor a blank check while the users work out what it was they wanted in the first place.
Posted by: Downunder | August 26, 2008 8:43 PM
I'm confused, and disappointed in the lack of follow-up by the Post. The GAO report at the link says in $12B in one place; $8.3B in another. Also, allusion is made to acquiring more radios due to Combat Ops and for equiping Guard and Reserve units...but it is never said how many more were bought. I expect better reporting than this from the Post...
Posted by: David | August 27, 2008 10:40 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
WRITER YOUR FACTS ARE INCORRECT. THIS RADIO THING HAS BEEN AN EVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENT. MANY ADD ON ITEMS AND CAPABILITIES WERE ADDED. SHOULD WE BUY FROM WALMART. HANNA MONTANA MAKES A GOOD PINK RADIO.