Military Readiness: Reports to Congress Provide Few Details on Deficiencies and Solutions
NSIAD-98-68
Published: Mar 30, 1998. Publicly Released: Mar 30, 1998.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) efforts to improve its readiness assessment and reporting process, focusing on whether: (1) DOD plans to make improvements to its unit readiness database, including adding specific readiness indicators; (2) a monthly review process instituted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff has improved DOD's ability to assess readiness; and (3) DOD's quarterly readiness reports to Congress accurately reflect readiness information briefed to senior DOD officials and provide information needed for oversight of military readiness.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | To enhance the effectiveness of the quarterly readiness report as a congressional oversight tool, the Secretary of Defense should take steps to better fulfill the legislative reporting requirements under 10 U.S.C. 482 by providing: (1) supporting data on key readiness deficiencies; and (2) specific information on planned remedial actions. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD concurred with the recommendation. In his 60-day response letter dated May 27, 1998, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness wrote that DOD agreed with GAO's recommendation and could provide more specifics on readiness concerns and remedial actions. The Secretary added that DOD had already made changes in their readiness reporting process. The Senior Readiness Oversight Council had focused attention on recruiting and retention, O&M readiness funding, personnel tempo, and aviation readiness. The readiness implications of these issues are being addressed in the Quarterly Readiness Reports to Congress. Further, DOD's plan is to substantially increase the amount of readiness data available to Congress, which will provide an unprecedented level of detail on readiness status and key indicator trends.
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Topics
Combat readinessCongressional oversightDefense capabilitiesDefense contingency planningManagement information systemsReporting requirementsDatabasesMilitary readinessNational securityDefense budgets