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U.S. military leaders are raising alarms over the nation’s technological lag behind global adversaries, particularly concerning special operations forces, as expressed during a recent House Armed Services Committee session.
Key figures such as Rear Adm. Milton Sands III, Maj. Gen. Peter Huntley, Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, and Lt. Gen. Michael Conley highlighted significant obstacles imposed by bureaucratic processes that hinder timely technological upgrades essential for operations.
During the testimony, Maj. Gen. Huntley, who leads the Marine Forces Special Operations Command, emphasized the rapid pace of global modernization, indicating that the United States struggles to maintain its competitive edge. He underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on military operations, particularly in enhancing situational awareness and threat detection. This capability has historically provided an edge, but there are concerns that it may soon fade if not adequately addressed.
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Rear Adm. Sands expressed urgent concerns regarding the ability to supply troops with necessary equipment swiftly, a critical need for survival on modern battlefields. He stated, “Our priority is ensuring operators have the equipment required for survival and mission success.”
Adding to the discussion, Lt. Gen. Braga, who oversees Army Special Operations Command, echoed similar worries. He noted that while military personnel are inherently innovative, bureaucratic inefficiencies can stall even the simplest equipment updates for extended periods. Promotion of streamlined funding and oversight might offer viable pathways to enhancing modernization efforts.
The hearing, entitled “The Role of Special Operations in Great Power Competition,” illuminated the myriad challenges faced in military procurement and modernization efforts.
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Lt. Gen. Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, acknowledged that while his forces excel at applying lessons learned to practical strategies, they often encounter procurement issues that complicate the scaling of these innovations. He pointed out that air fleet modifications are lengthy and costly, resulting in a persistent struggle to keep pace with advancing threats posed by adversaries. He cautioned that while America faces challenges in adaptation, adversaries continue to enhance their capabilities daily.
A broad spectrum of threats, including those from non-state actors, was also discussed. Maj. Gen. Huntley remarked on the impressive technological advancements made by these groups, asserting that they increasingly impact the dynamics of tactical engagements. He noted that while U.S. forces understand the necessary steps to counter these threats, the “critical challenge” remains in actualizing these advancements and equipping troops effectively.
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