DEFENSE MANAGEMENT: Opportunities Exist to Improve Implementation of DOD's Long-Term Corrosion Strategy
Abstract
Each year, the Department of Defense (DOD) spends an estimated $20 billion to repair the damage to military equipment and infrastructure caused by corrosion. Furthermore, corrosion profoundly impacts military readiness as well as the safety of military personnel. In the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, Congress directed that DOD develop a long-term corrosion strategy, including specificrequirements, and that GAO assess it. DOD submitted its strategy in December 2003. This report assesses the potential of the corrosion strategy (in terms of three elementsresources, performance metrics, and policy guidance) to effectively prevent and mitigate corrosion and its effects on military equipment and infrastructure. To provide better assurances that the long-term corrosion strategy is implemented as envisioned by Congress, GAO is recommending that the Secretary of Defense address certain shortcomings in funding, performance measures, and policy. In written comments, DOD agreed with all of these recommendations. However, GAO emphasized the need to complete the baseline study well before 2011, institutionalize corrosion project funding, and extend the review of corrosion prevention plans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- AD1157780
Entities
People
- Allen Westheimer
- Hector Wong
- Katherine Lenane
- Lawson Jr Gist
- Nancy Benco
- William M. Solis
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office