The military's system for moving troops, supplies, and weapons is in need of major upgrades in advance of any future war with Russia or China, a summary of a Pentagon Defense Science Board report says.
The report's summary, detailed by The Washington Free Beacon, noted the system has decayed significantly. The report came after a special task force evaluated the military's ability to airlift, sealift, and preposition equipment, and supplies.
"Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has not fought an adversary capable of the catastrophic disruption of military supply chains and deployment of personnel and material," the unclassified summary said.
"As a result, the (joint logistics enterprise) has suffered neglect and chronic underfunding relative to other (Department of Defense) priorities."
“The military's ability to get ready for a conflict is essential, particularly when it comes to any conflicts with China or Russia."
It said the current decaying system is the result of budget cuts and misaligned funding priorities.
Retired Army Gen. Paul Kern and retired Air Force General Duncan McNabb wrote the forward to the report. They noted: "The task force found significant shortfalls that, if left unaddressed, will put at risk U.S. ability to project power and sustain the fight against a strategic competitor."
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