US Army Future Soldier concept – showing innovative body armor and protection.
On March 4, 2015 Secretary Ashton Carter gave testimony before members of the US House Subcommittee on Defense, chaired by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.
Here is some of what the secretary had to say about building “the force of the future”:
” Assuming the Congress funds the President’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget and averts sequestration, we have the opportunity to build the force of the future. We have inherited a long tradition of military excellence from those who came before us, and we must preserve it for those who will come after.
But to do so, DoD must embrace the future – and embrace change – throughout our institution. We must be open to new ideas and new ways of doing business that can help us operate more efficiently and perform more effectively in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.
As DoD counters the very real dangers we face in the world, we will also grab hold of the bright opportunities before us – opportunities to be more competitive and re-forge our nation’s military and defense establishment into a future force that harnesses and develops the latest, cutting-edge technology, and that remains superior to any potential adversary; one that is efficient and accountable to the taxpayers who support it; and one that competes and succeeds in attracting the next generation of talented Americans to fill its ranks.”
Source: Congressional Record
See video: Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, holds a hearing on the fiscal year 2016 budget request for the Department of Defense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceuvZUHCayk