Key Takeaways

  • The US Army is overhauling its acquisition process to decrease bloat and increase efficiency.
  • A new reporting structure has been created with six program acquisition executives (PAEs) and Senior Contracting Officials (SCOs).
  • The Army plans to buy commercial engines for the M1E3 tank, which will likely derive from industry sources.
  • A marketplace for drones and counter-drone capabilities is being set up, allowing military leaders to purchase equipment quickly.
US Army General Dynamics Land Systems

Strategic Implications

This overhaul may indicate a shift towards more agile and efficient acquisition processes. The Army’s focus on commercialization could benefit smaller vendors and disrupt traditional primes. However, the success of these efforts depends on how well the PAEs and SCOs work with soldiers in the field to streamline requirements and award contracts quickly.