finance
GAO Says Pentagon Weapons Testing Office Cuts Reduced Oversight
The Government Accountability Office reported that staffing reductions at the Pentagon's weapons testing office have lowered independent review capacity. The office conducts evaluations of defense systems before deployment.
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The reductions were ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The GAO assessment found fewer personnel available to conduct required evaluations before new weapons enter service.
Background on the Testing Office The office reviews performance, safety, and reliability data for major acquisition programs. Its reports inform decisions by senior defense officials on whether systems meet operational standards. GAO noted that the smaller workforce limits the number of tests that can be completed on schedule and increases reliance on contractor-provided data.
The report did not specify how many positions were eliminated or name particular programs affected by the change.
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