Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin outlined his top priorities for the Department of Defense (DoD), which includes upgrading legacy IT systems and modernizing DoD technologies to meet security needs.
In a March 4 memo to DoD personnel, Austin listed three priority areas for the DoD: defending the nation, taking care of DoD employees, and succeeding through teamwork. One of the key priorities Austin outlined was the need to “innovate and modernize the DoD,” to meet the “dynamic threat landscape.”
“Where necessary, we will divest of legacy systems and programs that no longer meet our security needs, while investing smartly for the future,” Austin said. “In turn, we will improve the efficiency of the force and guarantee freedom of action in contested, complex operating environments.”
Additionally, Austin stressed the need to grow and retain the skilled DoD workforce to meet present security needs.
“We remain the preeminent fighting force in the world because of our personnel in and out of uniform, and I have never had more confidence in our ability to meet the security challenges of today and tomorrow,” Austin said. “To maintain that advantage, we will build opportunities for growth and development in the department, invest in training and education, and create new opportunities for advancement that drive promotion and retention for our total workforce – civilian and military.”
