Part 8/10:
A major obstacle remains the ability to account for physical assets across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. McCord emphasized that without complete transparency in these branches, a truly clean overall audit remains impossible, despite hopes that the Pentagon might finally pass a comprehensive audit by 2028, a target extended from previous deadlines.
Political and Public Implications
The recurring failure underscores systemic accountability issues within the Pentagon's financial management. While some military branches have made strides, the overall picture remains dismal, fueling criticism from Congress and the public. Amid rising budgets, the inability to track funds raises questions about oversight and efficiency in one of the world’s largest military organizations.