Because of improper storage, the US Army’s combat equipment is “in disrepair or at increased risk of deterioration” to the tune of about $1.8 billion. This is reported by Defense Express with reference to a report by the Inspector General of the Ministry of Defence.
Critical deficiencies in how the Pentagon maintains and protects key components of the Army’s land capability are critical, according to a published report by the Department of Defense’s inspector general. The shortfalls could endanger personnel, waste millions and undermine combat readiness as the Army tries to retool its logistics network to fight in multiple theatres.
Investigators examined $1.96 billion worth of equipment stored at two distribution centres controlled by the Defence Logistics Agency (DLA), the Defence Department bureau charged with managing the Army’s extensive supply chains. According to the report, DLA’s distribution division, which is responsible for storing and distributing materiel, handled $3.87 billion worth of Army ground combat equipment as of July 2022.
The spare parts stored at these facilities support some of the Army’s leading ground combat technologies, including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker Armoured Fighting Vehicle and Abrams tank, Defense Express writes.
Two-thirds of the $1.31 billion worth of parts inspected had “critical” deficiencies, meaning they were “falling into disrepair and in imminent danger of moving to a lower condition code,” a utility indicator. Overall, investigators found that $1.8 billion (92%) of the tested equipment was deteriorating or at “increased risk” of falling apart because DLA storage facilities did not meet Pentagon standards.
Among the spare parts in critical condition were 80 gas turbines worth nearly $90 million stacked together on the front lawn of the warehouse. The turbines, which were intended to be stored indoors, had been there since 2020, investigators found. Investigators also found tank tracks, vehicle transmission units and diesel engines worth tens of millions of dollars, hidden in open areas without proper packaging.
We will remind, earlier the British edition of the Financial Times reported that the position of the American Republicans, who block the United States military aid to Ukraine, may prevent any further attempts of offensive by the AFU. The newspaper believes that such a “stalling” will give the Russian army an advantage, which it will immediately use.