Military Reform Plans and Legislative Progress
Last year, I shared two significant proposals aimed at reforming the military. The first, titled “21st Century Peace by Strength,” emphasized the necessity for increased defense funding to ensure that the US military has the resources it needs to uphold peace.
The second plan, “Restoring the Forging of Freedom,” sought to transform the Pentagon’s bureaucratic system into a more modern approach that encourages innovation and competition within the defense sector. Fortunately, President Donald Trump has campaigned on both these issues, vowing to boost defense spending. With an injection of $150 billion allocated in the latest settlement bill, we are on the right path. Moreover, the president has pursued comprehensive reforms at the Pentagon, aiming to eliminate the budget deficit while empowering innovators to create superior weapons more efficiently and at reduced costs.
Congress understands there’s no time to lose. Recently, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted overwhelmingly—26 to 1—to advance the Annual National Defense Certification Act (NDAA). This essential legislation includes some of the most significant reforms to the Pentagon’s weapons procurement process in decades.
It’s time to recognize that “the lobbyists have never won a war,” as the Army reveals its modernization strategy.
For years now, we’ve relied on defense contractors to develop weapons using taxpayer funds. While this funding method is still crucial for some systems, an increasing number of innovative companies are utilizing private capital to create military technology. The new bill is crafted to promote acquisitions from these companies, which have consistently outperformed traditional Pentagon processes.
Historically, the purchasing of subpar weapons has been the norm. Throughout various stages, officials have had the authority to halt progress on projects. Currently, program managers dictate what to procure, only to lose their authority shortly thereafter. This can lead to lengthy compliance processes, often dragging on for 18 months. The NDAA proposes the establishment of a portfolio acquisition executive empowered to make quicker decisions, embrace risks, and take responsibility for the outcomes.
Moreover, throughout the decades, we’ve been shackled by an archaic, complex process that governs the approval of new weapons and parts for military use. This process often stifles competition and reinforces the status quo. The new bill aims to create a streamlined system for eligibility while also introducing a $1 billion fund from the settlement bill, ultimately enhancing competition within the Pentagon and protecting against price increases.
The United States has a legacy of producing some of the world’s most advanced munitions. The effectiveness of GMLRS rockets and Patriot air defense systems is undeniable. Nevertheless, not all military hardware has to be “exquisite,” which tends to refer to systems that are sophisticated and challenging to manufacture. Instead, we are proposing a defensive settlement of nearly $5 billion aimed at developing new, low-cost ammunition, many of which will utilize advanced manufacturing techniques.
As we stand in what may be one of the most perilous times since World War II, it’s crucial for the US to possess military forces and a defense industrial base capable of maintaining peace. The Defense Reconciliation Bill represents a strong investment in American innovation, while the Senate’s 2026 NDAA seeks to implement sweeping reforms within the Pentagon. Together, these initiatives could lead to a considerable overhaul of the US military.
