Senator Roger Wicker has called for major reforms at the Pentagon, emphasizing the need to modernize its business processes and support innovation in defense manufacturing. In a recent opinion editorial, Wicker outlined his two reform plans introduced last year: “21st Century Peace through Strength,” which advocates for increased defense funding, and “Restoring Freedom’s Forge,” aimed at overhauling Pentagon bureaucracy to encourage commercial innovation and competition.
Wicker highlighted President Donald Trump’s campaign promises to boost defense spending and streamline Pentagon operations. He noted progress on these fronts with a $150 billion increase in military funding included in the reconciliation bill and efforts underway to reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
“In Congress, we recognize that we have no time to waste. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently voted overwhelmingly (26-1) to advance Congress’ annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill contains the most significant reforms to the Pentagon’s weapons-buying process in generations,” Wicker stated.
He described longstanding issues with how the Department of Defense acquires new weapons, saying that current processes often slow down development due to excessive oversight and fragmented authority. “As it stands, program managers decide what to buy but shortly thereafter lose authority over the process. From there, contracting officers under a separate reporting structure can take 18 months to run a compliance-based process. This NDAA would create portfolio acquisition executives who are empowered to make decisions, take risk and then be held accountable for decisions.”
Wicker also addressed problems with qualifying new parts and weapon types for military use, describing it as a system that discourages competition. He said proposed changes include a streamlined qualification process supported by a new $1 billion fund from the reconciliation bill.
According to Wicker, while some advanced munitions like GMLRS missiles and Patriot interceptors have strong track records, not every weapon needs complex features that make them costly or difficult to produce. He noted that nearly $5 billion is being allocated for lower-cost munitions using advanced manufacturing methods.
“We are living in the most dangerous moment since World War II. To enable an American-led 21st century, we need a military and a defense industrial base capable of maintaining the peace. The defense reconciliation bill made a big bet on American innovation, and the Senate’s 2026 NDAA introduces fundamental Pentagon reforms. With both, we can achieve a generational rebuilding of the U.S. military,” Wicker concluded.
