Military acquisition and procurement has always, and will always, be difficult. The military requires specialized, bespoke solutions to complex problems, frequently in small quantities. A labyrinth of laws, rules, budget uncertainties, and politics further complicate the process. It is no wonder, then, that for as long as there has been a military procurement system, there have been efforts to improve and reform it. Common complaints are that the system takes too long, is too expensive, and is too resistant to change. Drawing on lessons from recent years, Air Force leaders are moving today to get ahead of some of the military acquisition system's long-standing problems. First comes a dose of reality. Even if DOD is spared near-term budget disasters, such as a year-long continuing resolution or a return of sequestration, the Air Force's budget is probably not going to be increasing. USAF cannot afford to start a large number of programs with bills that will all come due at some later date when it is hoped that sufficient funding will magically appear.
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