The Defense Department likely is going to have to change the way it conducts business in the current budget environment, said Todd Harrison, a defense budget expert at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. During a briefing with reporters last week, Harrison outlined three ways that DOD can change its business model. First, Harrison suggested that the Pentagon form a study group to explore how much value troops place on the benefits they receive. Second, remotely piloted aircraft could offer savings in training and might not require DOD to purchase as many manned planes, he said. It’s “an area DOD should exploit more in the future,” said Harrison. Third, the United States should examine the way it works with its allies. While the nation typically spends about four percent of its gross domestic product on defense, it allies often spend less than two percent of GDP, relying instead on the United States to shoulder much of the cost of joint missions, he explained.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.