Overview

• Hegseth ordered the DOT&E workforce to shrink from 94 to 45 employees, including 30 civilians and 15 military personnel.
• The change is projected to save $300 million each year as part of a broader push for Pentagon efficiency.
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren and watchdog groups warn the cuts could undermine independent oversight of major weapons systems.
• DOT&E’s reports have challenged an Army hypersonic weapon readiness claim and documented the F-35 jet’s reliability and software shortcomings.
• A former senior defense official says the services’ existing testing infrastructure may mitigate any reduction in weapon safety caused by fewer DOT&E staff.