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Pentagon Directs Army to Include Right-to-Repair in All Contracts

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s April 30 memo mandates contract modifications to give the Army access to tools, software, and data for in-house maintenance, aiming to cut costs and improve readiness.

U.S. Army soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment load a Stryker armored vehicle onto a truck at Rose Barracks Air Field, before a deployment to Romania in Vilseck, Germany, February 9, 2022.  U.S. Army/Gertrud Zach/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Department of Defense has ordered the Army to incorporate right-to-repair provisions in all new and existing contracts, reducing reliance on contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
  • The April 30 memo from Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizes overcoming intellectual property constraints to enable faster, cheaper repairs, including using 3D-printed parts in the field.
  • This reform is part of a broader modernization initiative focused on acquisition efficiency and enhanced operational readiness across key military capabilities.
  • Senator Elizabeth Warren and right-to-repair advocates praised the move, highlighting its potential to save billions and reduce delays caused by contractor repair restrictions.
  • The Army has begun identifying contracts for modification, with initial steps under review, marking a significant shift in military sustainment strategy.