Trump's Army secretary nominee raises alarm over military preparedness
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Military analysts have warned that while the US has long maintained an advantage in defense technology, rivals such as China and Russia have made significant strides in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned aerial combat systems.
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Daniel Driscoll testifies at Senate confirmation hearing for Army secretary (Screengrab/PBS News)
Daniel Driscoll, President Donald Trump's nominee for Army Secretary, has voiced serious concerns about the country's ability to sustain its military forces in the face of mounting global challenges. In a written response to the Senate Armed Services Committee's policy questions, Driscoll pointed to weaknesses in the US defense industrial base and the diminishing technological superiority of American forces.
"I worry about the ability of the country’s industrial base to provide sufficient military stocks to fully support our warfighters. Additionally, our technological edge is shrinking. The Army needs to accelerate its modernization and better prepare our forces for the advances in drone and autonomous warfare the world has witnessed in Ukraine," Driscoll stated.
Concerns over military supply chain and technological edge
His remarks come amid growing concerns in defense circles about the capacity of US manufacturers to keep pace with wartime demands, particularly as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to test Western military supply chains. The issue of munitions production, in particular, has drawn attention in recent years, with reports highlighting delays and shortages that could hinder operational readiness.
Driscoll also called for the need to modernize drone technology and autonomous weapons systems observed on battlefields abroad. Military analysts have warned that while the US has long maintained an advantage in defense technology, rivals such as China and Russia have made significant strides in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned aerial combat systems.
If confirmed, Driscoll would oversee efforts to strengthen the Army's capabilities at a time when the US is reassessing its global defense strategy. His nomination is expected to be closely scrutinized by lawmakers, many of whom have called for increased investment in military innovation and production capacity.
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