REMAKING AMERICAN SECURITY


Supply chain vulnerabilities and national security risk across the U.S. defense industrial base


by BG John Adams, USA (Ret) W 100


ith the closing of factories across the United States and the mass exodus of manufacturing jobs to


China and other nations over the past 30 years,


important defense industrial base has deteriorated dramatically. As a result, this country now relies heavily on imports to keep our armed forces equipped and ready. Compounding this rising reliance on foreign suppliers,


the United States


also depends increasingly on foreign financing arrangements.


In addition, the United States is not mining enough of the critical metals and other raw materials needed to produce important weapon systems and military supplies. Tese products include the night vision devices (made with a rare


the United States’ critically


earth element) that enabled U.S. Navy SEALs [sea, air, land teams] to hunt down Osama bin Laden.


Consequently, the health of the U.S. defense industrial base—and with it our national security—is in jeopardy. We are vulnerable to major disruptions in foreign supplies that could make it impossible for U.S. warriors, warships, tanks, air- craft and missiles to operate effectively. Such supply disruptions could be caused by many factors, including:


 Poor manufacturing practices in offshore factories that produce problem-plagued products. Shoddy manufacturing could be inadvertent, could be part of a deliberate attempt to cut costs and boost profits, or could be intentionally designed to damage U.S.


capabilities. Motivated by expected


gains in cost, innovation and efficiency, DOD began a decided shift from parts made to military specifications to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts and equipment two decades ago. However, COTS items often lack the quality control and traceability neces- sary to ensure that parts used in the defense supply chain meet the rigorous standards we expect of equipment vital to our national security. Faulty and counterfeit COTS parts are already taking a toll on readiness in several defense sectors.


 Natural disasters, domestic unrest, or changes in government that could cut or halt production and exports at for- eign factories and mines.


 Foreign producers that sharply raise prices or reduce or stop sales to the


Army AL&T Magazine


July–September 2013


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