The Department of Defense is bracing for change as the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiencies) initiative sets its sights on the Pentagon's substantial budget. Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed a welcoming stance towards DOGE's involvement, even extending an invitation to Elon Musk, a key figure associated with the initiative.

With 3.7 million personnel and a budget surpassing $850 billion, the Pentagon's financial operations have come under scrutiny, particularly given its history of failing audits. Tara Murphy Dougherty, CEO of defense software company Govini and former advisor to multiple Defense secretaries, points to the antiquated weapons acquisition process as a prime area for cost reduction. She highlights the reliance on manual spreadsheets and fax machines in managing multi-billion dollar programs, a practice she deems "massively broken."

This outdated system has led to significant issues, including delays in the production of critical equipment like the F-35 fighter jet and cost overruns in projects such as the next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile. Murphy Dougherty also raises concerns about supply chain opacity, noting the Pentagon's lack of visibility into the origin of parts, including the potential presence of foreign or Chinese suppliers for vital components.

In anticipation of DOGE's review, branches like the Navy and Army are already exploring potential cuts, including reductions in the frigate fleet and the elimination of obsolete drones and vehicles. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) welcomes DOGE's involvement, hoping for streamlined acquisition processes and more efficient spending. However, the initiative has also sparked apprehension, particularly regarding the potential compromise of classified information and national security.

Critics, like Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), express concern over DOGE's access to sensitive data within the Department of Defense, citing previous incidents involving the release of classified information. These concerns are further fueled by the recent dismissal of numerous Department of Energy employees, including those overseeing the nation's nuclear arsenal, raising questions about the balance between efficiency and security.

The administration's subsequent efforts to rehire some of these dismissed employees highlight the complex and potentially volatile nature of DOGE's intervention in critical government sectors. Similar actions at the Department of Veterans Affairs have also drawn criticism and protests.