1A (dot) Gov: National Defense, Veterans, And The Federal Workers Responsible For Both
Jan 7, 2025
Leo Shane III, Deputy Editor at Military Times, and Catherine Kuzminski, Director at the Center for New American Security, dive into the complexities of the Department of Defense and the VA. They discuss the staggering $2 trillion budget and the oversight challenges it faces. The conversation highlights recruitment struggles and the impact of budget cuts on veteran services. Personal accounts from veterans reveal both progress and ongoing hurdles in healthcare access, emphasizing the urgent need for digital transformation in the VA.
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DOD's Impact
- The Department of Defense (DOD) is the nation's largest employer, with nearly 3 million employees.
- Even minor policy changes within the DOD can significantly impact national defense and the economy.
DOD Budget Allocation
- A large portion of the DOD's budget goes to personnel costs for service members.
- The remaining budget covers operations, maintenance, and investments in new technologies.
DOD Audits
- The DOD has failed its seventh consecutive audit due to difficulties in record-keeping.
- This involves challenges in integrating different IT systems and tracking every dollar spent.