Part 8/12:
Defense officials reveal that the Pentagon is considering using approximately $4 billion from these drawdown funds, which allow the U.S. to directly transfer weapons and equipment from military stockpiles. However, this approach carries a significant risk: without assured replenishment from Congress, there could be serious consequences for U.S. military readiness in future conflicts.
In a recent example, the Pentagon overestimated the amount of aid delivered to Ukraine by $6.2 billion last year due to a bookkeeping error—a fortunate mistake that allowed aid to continue longer than expected. Nonetheless, the current shortages of ammunition and military gear on the battlefield highlight the urgent need for sustained support.