Military Capability
An Assessment of Changes of Measures Between Fiscal Years 1980 and 1989 Gao ID: NSIAD-90-143 May 10, 1990Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed changes in U.S. military capabilities between fiscal years 1980 and 1989.
GAO found that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) expanded its force structure, purchased weapons systems and equipment, improved force readiness, and improved sustainability; (2) most DOD weapons systems and inventories did not significantly increase; (3) DOD raised concerns regarding readiness indicators; (4) the increased depot maintenance financial backlog could affect mission capability and cannibalization rates; (5) significant key item shortages existed in all the services; and (6) services' airlifts were inadequate to meet major contingencies.