June 15, 2021

Duckworth Chairs SASC Airland Subcommittee Hearing on Army Modernization

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, led her first hearing as Chair on Army modernization programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2022. Witnesses included Mr. Douglas Bush, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, General John M. Murray, Commanding General, Army Futures Command and Lieutenant General Erik K. Peterson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-8. Watch the Senator’s opening remarks here as well as her two rounds of questions here and here.

“The Interim National Security Guidance states that the United States ‘will ensure our Armed Forces are equipped to deter our adversaries; defend our people, interests and allies; and defeat threats that emerge.’ For the Army, that means ensuring it is manned, trained and equipped in a manner that equals its vital role in the Joint Force and remains ready for global employment,” said Senator Duckworth.

“I would like to commend the Army for making bold steps in its effort to modernize,” Senator Duckworth continued. “Soldier-centered practices, such as Soldier Touch Point in the prototyping phase and ‘try before you buy’ partnerships with industry, seem to be the evolution the Army needed to reset its acquisition programs. But hard decisions lie ahead. The establishment of Army Futures Command placed sharp focus on requirements but remains nascent. The Army must ensure the modernization enterprise and the civilian oversight function remain strong through leadership transitions. I have great confidence in you all and look forward to an open and cooperative effort in our common endeavor to continue to field a world-class Army.”

Duckworth was one of the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) during her four years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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