September 2012
A Project of Concerned Veterans for America
Hiding in Plain Sight: TIME FOR A PENTAGON AUDIT A CASE STUDY IN
Cost Savings Background BY THE NUMBERS
Overview The Department of Defense (DoD) has never performed an independent audit of its finances, and with the dire financial situation of the United
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
States, now is the time. With Overseas Contingency Operations completed
Departments: Army, Navy, Air Force
in Iraq and winding down in Afghanistan, we should seize the moment
Number of Defense Agencies: 16
to reassess weapons systems, update archaic processes, and clean out the
Number of Combatant Commands: 9
proverbial attic, with the aim of building a more financially accountable and
Number of Active Duty Armed Services Personnel
efficient DoD. Moreover, with the nation on the edge of a fiscal cliff, bringing
3
(as of 3/31/12): 1,452,939
Number of Civilian personnel
greater discipline, transparency and accountability to the defense budget must be a critical priority.
4
(as of 12/31/11) : 766,229
Base Budget FY2011: $528.2 Billion
The DoD is the last remaining federal agency with financial operations that
Overseas Contingency Operations
cannot pass an independent audit. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta stated
Budget FY2011: $158.8 Billion5
that this is “unacceptable” in testimony to Congress.1 Panetta has also stated “auditable [financial] statements are needed to facilitate decision-making, to comply with the law, and to reassure the public that we are good stewards of their funds.”2 We agree, and this case study outlines the merits of an independent audit.