In regards to current and future budgets, the Army will need to stretch every dollar to buy more capability with the same amount of money, according to Nelson Ford, acting under secretary of the Army and assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller.
Addressing the dinner audience Feb. 28 at the Association of the United States Army’s Winter Meeting and Exposition, Ford speculated that the “money is probably going to dry up,” and he urged defense and industry leaders to find equipment that’s cheaper to buy, operate and maintain.
“That does not mean junk,” Ford said. “That means Toyota and Honda, who already build more than 20 percent of the vehicles built in this country. That means squad leader radios the size, weight and cost of a Blue Tooth headset.”
Ford said the base budget needs to be increased because the Army’s mission exceeds its budget.
The Army is gaining new missions overseas and homeland defense costs are skyrocketing.
“It is unrealistic for Congress to task expanded expectations without expanded resources,” he said.
The Fiscal Year 2009 budget coupled with supplemental funding will set the Army on the path to restore balance while building future strategic flexibility, Ford said.
This will require modernized equipment and technology as well as better organization, doctrine and training.
Despite the bleak budget outlook, Ford noted that “tens of thousands continue to volunteer.”
Adding, “If you need your faith in this country restored, go talk to some muddy boot soldiers, and ask them how they’re doing.”
Ford said the Army is “stretched but not broken,” and soldiers remain committed to missions and those they protect.