Whoever gets the Pentagon’s top acquisition post, declared Ashton Carter, President Obama’s nominee for the position, told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing March 26, that “job one” will be to get [defense weapons programs] under control.” He said, “Too many of these programs are failing their costs, schedule, and performance expectations.” And, he added, “Some are failing even more fundamentally the test of whether they are needed for the future military challenges we are most likely to face.” Carter refused to speak specifically about individual programs, including the next generation bomber when questioned by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) (see above). However he acknowledged that the NGB “would certainly be in that portfolio of things” he would want as a “China hedge.” (Carter advance questions)
As the Space Force prepares to field new fleets of satellites that can track moving targets in the air and on the ground, it’s working to ensure it has the organizational structures in place to onboard and operate those systems.
