Summary: Previous GAO reviews of military readiness reporting identified the following problem areas: the interpretation of readiness reporting criteria was not uniform; the condition of equipment was not properly reported; the reporting system did not adequately reflect capability for each mission; and the reports did not always contain adequate information.
The state-of-the-art in defining, measuring, and reporting readiness is in a state of flux. Improvements have been made, and actions are underway for further improvements. The Army is in the process of implementing major new reporting procedures, the Navy has developed a long-range plan to revamp its reporting system, and the Air Force has implemented a new system and is trying to improve it. The inability of readiness reporting to relate readiness to funding requirements was noted. Recent congressional action requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the quantifiable and measurable material readiness requirements for the armed forces. Subsequent budget submissions must include data relating the proposed appropriations to these established requirements. Current objectives set forth by the Department of Defense are to: (1) improve its ability to define and measure readiness and relate changes in resources applied to changes in readiness experienced or projected; and (2) adjust the allocation of its resources to attain the desired levels of readiness.
